PASQUALE COSTELLESE, Sgt. JPD Ret.

86, of Smithfield, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 25, 2011 at North Bay Manor, Smithfield. He was the beloved husband of sixty-six years to Clorine (Handfield) Costellese. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Lawrence and Elvira (Piccozzi) Costellese. Mr. Costellese was a Sergeant with the Johnston Police Department for twenty-five years before retiring in 1978. He was the first K-9 officer for the town of Johnston. Pasquale was a US Army veteran serving during WW II. He was a Bronze Star recipient and was a participant in the Battle of the Bulge. He was a communicant of Our Lady of Grace Church, an usher, feast worker, and member of the Holy Name Society. Pasquale was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 9513. He was a Past Chancellor and Grand Knight. He was a member of FOP Lodge # 16, and VFW Post 48. Pasquale was an avid golfer at Melody Hills. He enjoyed playing the organ and painting.

Besides his wife he is survived by his sons, Dennis P. Costellese and his wife Linda of Vero Beach, FL and Lawrence J. Costellese and his girlfriend MaryAnn of Johnston. He was the cherished grandfather of Lori Ann Bailey and her husband Jason of West Warwick and the great-grandfather of Ty Jacob and Elijah. Pasquale was the brother of the late Marie Clark. He was the uncle of numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am in Our Lady of Grace Church, George Waterman Road, Johnston. Interment with Military Honors will be in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. VISITING HOURS Tuesday 4-8 p.m.. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Our Lady of Grace Memorial Fund, 4 Lafayette Street, Johnston, RI 02919-2712, or Home and Hospice Care of RI, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904-5719.

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