JOHN NATALE

John Natale Born October 11, 1932 in Providence, Rhode Island, the son of the late Marciano and Assunta (DeClemente) Natale. John passed away on March 8, 2009 at the age of 76. He was surrounded by his entire family at the time of his death. He succumbed to a brief but fierce struggle with cancer. Those who knew John knew he was a fighter and he fought this disease with intensity enrolling in a clinical trial program at Memorial Sloan- Kettering Hospital in New York hoping that his unwavering faith in God coupled with advances in medicine would allow him to prevail over this disease. At the time of his death he was the owner of Natale & Sons Casting, a business he founded in 1978. He continued to be active in that business, with his son Jay, right up until the days before his death. He derived great personal satisfaction as the owner of that business. He was also employed by the State of Rhode Island from 1984 through 2000. He was also a route salesman for Frito -Lay for 22 years and rose to the position of District Sales Manager. John will be remembered for many things by many different people. He would light up a room with his smile and that sparkle in his eyes. He was also a tremendous singer and dancer. But, above all he was the devoted husband to his wife of 52 years, Caroline (Lombari) Natale. The two met at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in the 1950's, a dance hall, and spent the rest of their life together dancing and having a great time. They renewed their Wedding Vows in May of 2008. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Gina Natale-Masiello,her spouse Salvatore Masiello, of Cranston Rhode Island, John Natale and his spouse, Joia Natale, of Johnston Rhode Island, Anthony J. Natale and his spouse, Dr. Frances O. Natale, of South Glastonbury, Connecticut, and Joseph (Jay) Natale and his spouse, Nicole Natale, of Cranston Rhode Island. He is also survived by two granddaughters, Briana Swinson and Olivia Natale and a step grandson, Nicholas Caprio. He was very proud of the fact that he saved three different people over the course of his life. As a ten year old boy, he rescued a neighbor from a burning house. Then, five years later, while swimming at Lincoln Woods, he saved one of his friends who was unable to swim. Finally, on February 6, 1978, during the famous Blizzard of 1978, while delivering potato chips to a supermarket in Massachusetts he heard a voice coming from the rear of freezer truck. He opened the door and saw a young man gasping for air. The door apparently blew shut from a gust of wind. He lived his entire life a devout catholic. In 1967, he was President of St. Anthony Parent Teachers Organization. Later he was a volunteer for eight years at the St. Vincent DePaul Ministry Soup Kitchen. He also was a volunteer with Meals on Wheels for many years. He was an active member of St. Matthews Church having celebrated Mass there for 37 years. He is predeceased by his mother and father. His parents' in-laws, Frank Lombari and Louise (Bassi) Lombari, his brothers, Orlando Natale and Romeo Natale, their wives and his brothers-in law who he also had close personal friendships with, Frank Lombari, Anthony Lombari and William Merandi.His funeral will be held on Thursday at 9 am from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME 1278 Park Ave. Cranston followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in St. Matthews Church Elmwood Ave. Cranston. Burial will be in St. Ann's Cemetery, Cranston. VISITING HOURS: Wednesday 4-8 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to St. Matthews Church 15 Frances Ave. Cranston, Rhode Island 02910-2209. Please visit www.nardolillo.com for more information and online condolences

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