Dan M. Bliss

Dan Michael Bliss, 86, of Riverside passed away peacefully at home overlooking his treasured lighthouse view with his daughter by his side on the evening of November 15, 2021.

Dan was the son of late Estelle (Leif) and late Lloyd E. Bliss of Providence, Rhode Island. Beloved and dedicated husband of late Delores Philomena Geneva Costa Bliss, loving father of Delores Jean Bliss, and happy and proud grandfather of 3-month-old Danny.

He was the dear brother of Jane (Bliss) Garabedian, brother-in-law Aram Garabedian, his niece Lisa Regan, nephew Gary Garabedian, their spouses, and their children.

Dan attended Hope High School in the early 1950s where he played football, continued at Worcester Academy, and Brown University. After finishing his education, he worked at Rhode Island Supply, a family business furniture store where many memories were made.

Dan followed his father’s footsteps into the world of real estate and development and became well-known when Warwick Mall officially opened in 1970 -- Rhode Island’s favorite Family Mall. Dan started as general manager, and one of the managing partners. His father was very honored to have his son Dan involved every step of the way, including Bliss Properties, now a fourth-generation family-owned real estate management and development firm on the Eastside of Providence. Throughout the years, he formed many relationships through working, always was so thankful and took pride in all the work his family accomplished every day.

Dan was not ready to retire and was still working since this past September at Warwick Mall. He enjoyed driving and going to work to his office that he shared with his daughter. He was very proud to be one of the Co-Managing Partners of Warwick Mall and was so proud of all his employees that he cherished more than anything. These special relationships meant so much to Dan, he considered them family.

If you have visited Warwick Mall during the day, you may have seen a tall, white-haired man, dressed nicely -- it was just a simple little wave and a smile that could’ve made your day.

He was also known for keeping a ‘note system’, had to write everything down on a post-it, and place a penny or Warwick Mall Carousel coin on top for safe keeping. You may have seen him enjoying his favorite ice cream at former Newport Creamery or Pinkberry. Maybe you may have seen him walking the mall for exercise on his lunch break in a tropical Tommy Bahama shirt, or alongside his sidekick, devoted, and dedicated daughter, Delores.

Meanwhile, Dan met the love of his life Delores in the 1970s and never been a day apart after their first summertime date. Dan and Delores loved to travel together to Acapulco, Saint Thomas, Las Vegas, Mexico, Arizona, Aruba, and their beloved Sarasota, Florida. His wife was his whole world and more. Dan was a wonderful and dedicated family man to his two Delores’. They loved to dine at their favorite restaurants together and Dan would relax with a glass of pinot grigio…maybe a few. If you knew Dan, he had ‘Two Delores’ to keep him hoppin’ ”. The girls loved to shop, but Dan wasn’t fooling anyone that he loved it just as much! Unfortunately, with the loss of his wife last year to cancer, Dan had suffered a broken heart.

Dan was a ‘retired’ racquetball player at Healthtrax in East Providence where he formed his ‘motley’ crew, just a bunch of guys who loved to joke around, genuinely enjoyed life! These friends became life-long buddies and went to PawSox and Providence Bruins games together for many years.

For leisure, Dan enjoyed fishing since he was a young man, and always loved being on the waterside. His boat was docked in Barrington where he would take rides throughout the Narraganset Bay, fish and “let the world go by…”

He also loved reading every day especially the Providence Journal and the USA Today, exchanging books, member of Save the Bay, and donated to many charities.

Dan loved to joke around, but besides his sense of humor - his overall unconditional love he had for people was immeasurable.

He was kind, extremely generous, affectionate, compassionate, loyal, sweet, warm-hearted, and wonderful man. Dan was very devoted to his wife of over 50 years, and his beautiful daughter.

Dan and his wife Delores had made many friends and eventually all became ‘extended-family’. He never forgot a birthday, holiday, or milestone for anyone! It meant the world to Dan to always call to check on someone he loved, and that was just about everyone he knew.

He will be missed by everyone at Warwick Mall, extended family, all his friends, his family, everyone he touched, but especially his daughter Delores whom he shared an inseparable bond with.

Dan suffered from a brief sudden illness in October. Fortunately, Dan was able to spend time with his family at home and his baby grandson Danny that brought joy and light.

He is now at eternal peace with his beloved wife, Delores as both will be remembered beautifully together so much…

His funeral service will be held in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston on Friday at 12:00 p.m. Visiting hours are on Friday MORNING from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Swan Point Cemetery, 585 Blackstone Blvd., Providence. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Save the Bay, https://www.savebay.org.