William T Nero

87 of Cranston and formerly of Johnston, passed away on Monday, February 7, 2022.  He is predeceased by his first wife of 37 years, Anne M. Nero and his wife of six years, Regina Haddad Nero.  William was born in Providence on February 1, 1935, the son of the late Joseph and Henrietta Nero.  He graduated from LaSalle Academy and Providence College.

William is survived by his six children, Nancy Panciocco and her husband Richard of Johnston, William T. Nero, Jr. and his wife Rebecca of Coventry, Joseph Nero and his wife Cory of Lincoln, Daniel Nero and his wife Kim of Los Altos, California, Patrick Nero and his husband John Freed of Wilton Manors, Florida and Christopher Nero and his wife Lynne of Olivenhain, California.  He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren, Alyssa and Richard Panciocco and Luca, Nicholas, Joseph Jr., Marissa, Matthew, Anne, Kyle, Cameron, Britt and Cole Nero.  He is also survived by Regina’s four children, Kathryn Balogh, Valerie Cassidy, Missy Haddad Onorato and Frederick Haddad II and their spouses and their nine children.

William was predeceased by his siblings: Mary Oberg, Peter Nero, Anthony Nero, Clare Iarocci, John Nero, Joseph Nero and Arlene Tomassi.

William spent most of his professional career at his Alma Mater Providence College, where after receiving his undergraduate degree, he also earned a Master’s Degree.  He spent 26 years in administrative roles at PC, rising to the level of Vice President of Development in 1982.  During his tenure as VP of Development, annual fund raising grew from less than $50,000 to more than $3.5 million.  He was recognized more than a dozen times by the National Council for the Advancement and Support of Education for the college’s fundraising success.  William took on a new role at the college in 1988 when he was named Vice President for Business Affairs.  He remained in this role until his retirement in 1993.   During his tenure at the college he was honored with numerous awards including the Rev. Dore Award by the local Providence area alumni association and the Father Begley Award by the National Alumni Association.

William was a long- time parishioner at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church in Johnston.   In over 50 years of service to the parish, he served in many roles including commentator, Eucharistic Minister and Trustee.  William was also the Chairman of the Town of Johnston’s Board of Canvassers.  Hewas appointed by then Governor Bruce Sundlun to The RI Ethics Commission and served several years on the John E. Fogarty Foundation.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, February 12 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 1804 Atwood Avenue, Johnston.  Cemetery services will be private.  Visiting hours will take place on Friday, February 11 from 4-7 pm in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston (MASKS ARE REQUIRED).  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the St. Robert Bellarmine Food Closet and the Veterans Administration Hospital of R.I.’sDialysis Unit – Attention: Sarah Stevenson.