Paul Thomas Carcieri, Ph.D.

Paul Thomas Carcieri, Ph.D., 72, of North Providence, RI, passed away unexpectedly on September 27, 2024, at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, a week shy of his 73rd birthday. He was the loving husband of Dea (Antonelli) Carcieri for almost 41 years. Born in Providence, RI, he was the son of the late Anthony P. Carcieri and the late Olga (Pisaturo) Carcieri.

Paul took great pride in the work he did during his nearly 45-year-long career with the State of Rhode Island. He performed planning and research duties in the Department of Attorney General (where he and Dea met) and then worked for over 41 years in the Department of Transportation, most recently as Chief Facilities Management Officer. 

He taught various history courses, including the Development of Western Civilization and American History, in the evenings or weekends at local colleges for decades, most recently as an Adjunct Professor at the Community College of Rhode Island. He cared deeply about the success of his students.

Paul graduated from Blessed Sacrament School and La Salle Academy in Providence. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Providence College, a Master of Arts degree in history from Brown University, and a Ph.D. in American history from Providence College. He was inducted into the Phi Alpha Theta Graduate Honor Society in History.

He was a current lector at Blessed Sacrament Church, which he did for decades. An avid runner and golfer, he truly enjoyed playing in the Frank Hogan Golf League at Cranston Country Club. He loved going to New England Patriots games and camping in Maine with treasured family and friends, and attending PC basketball games with Dea. He was a Red Sox fan, and looked forward each year to the day when baseball equipment trucks left Fenway Park bound for Jet Blue Park in Fort Myers, signaling that Spring Training and Opening Day were soon to follow.

Besides his wife, Paul leaves their son, Gregory P. Carcieri(Cranston Fire Department) and spouse Amanda, and granddaughters Madison, Sophia, and Zoey; siblings Regina A. Markey and spouse David; Angela M. Camparone and spouse George; Peter A. Carcieri and spouse Regina; half-siblings Karen A. O’Brien and spouse Michael, and Kenneth P. Carcieri; and former sister-in-law Terri M. Carcieri. He also leaves many nieces and nephews and their spouses and children.

Funeral from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston on Wednesday, October 9th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Church, Providence. Burial will take place in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. VISITING HOURS are Tuesday, October 8th from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Paul’s memory to Blessed Sacrament School, 240 Regent Avenue, Providence, RI 02908 or at blessedschoolpvd.org/donate-now.