David L. "Sonny" Acciardo

David (Sonny) regretfully left his beloved family on December 23, 2021, at the age of 78.  He was born to the late Louis and Bessie (Aceto) Acciardo on January 31, 1943, in Providence.  David was predeceased by his sister Donna Acciardo-Meith, his brother Ronald Acciardo, and his sister-in-law Joanne Acciardo.  He was the devoted husband of Carol (Tella) Acciardo for 58 years.  He is survived by his loving children Lisa Acciardo and Deborah Acciardo Keough, and her husband Michael.  He was the cherished papa of Jessica Garcia, Joshua Garcia and his wife Giana, and his great grandchildren Jenna and Raevyn.  He is also survived by his brother-in-law Edward Meith and many nieces and nephews that he loved as his own.

David had many trades such as working on his grandfather’s farm, tending his father’s gas station, cooking at the Cedar Grill restaurant, and fixing car motors before settling into his life-long work passion of operating heavy equipment and land excavation.  He was an Operating Engineer over 40 years and a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 57.  He worked for Donatelli Building Company then Site Tech Corporation.  He owned DLA Construction for 10 years as well.

David proudly served in the RI Army National Guard for 6 years during the Vietnam War receiving an Honorable Discharge.  He was selected as the Regimental Commander’s Orderly.

David was the personification of strength in all that he did.  He took on anything that came his way and always completed it proudly.  He was all too happy to help anyone at any time and never expected anything in return.  He was humble and most often worked behind the scenes quietly without recognition.

He was very active and always on the go.  To say he was a hard worker would be an understatement, but he did it with a smile on his face.  His family was the highlight of his life.  He enjoyed riding motorcycles, classic cars, golf carts, quad runners, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, family Sunday dinners, coffee with his friends and much more.  He taught his children and grandchildren everything he knew and took pride in all their accomplishments.  He cherished every moment and lived each day as if it were his last.

He was jolly, compassionate, helpful, and generous.  He had a contagious laugh, an amazing sense of humor always being the life of the party.  He held a million-dollar smile. David was a true friend to every life he touched.  He was someone you could always count on, and he had a solution to every problem.  He left an unforgettable legacy and mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.  He will be deeply missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Philip’s Parish, 622 Putnam Pike, Greenville on Friday, February 25th at 11:00 a.m.  VISITING HOURS are on Thursday, February 24th, from 4-7 p.m. Burial, with Military Honors, will take place in Highland Memorial Park, Johnston.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate.