Matthew N Marandola

28, of Cranston, passed away on Tuesday, September 20, 2016, at RI Hospital, Providence. Born in Providence, he was the beloved son of David and Jean (Taraborelli) Marandola of Cranston. Matthew graduated from La Salle Academy class of 06’. After graduation, he had planned to attend SUNY Albany in the fall, until he was stricken by the onset of schizophrenia.

Matthew attended the Community College of Rhode Island and was a certified pharmacy technician. He was a monumental crusader for mental health advocacy in Rhode Island. He dedicated his efforts to breaking the stigma of mental illness. He was involved with National Association of Mental Illness, NAMI RI where is was trained as a peer specialist.

Matthew was an active member at Harbor House of Providence, a community center for the mentally ill, which provides daily programming and job placement opportunities for its members.

Matthew was a man of many talents, and an artist of a variety of mediums. He took interest in music, photography, illustration and poetry. Matthew was an inquisitive spirit and an eternally gentle soul. Matthew fought a courageous battle against the afflictions of his mind for ten difficult years.

Besides his parents, Matthew is survived by his loving sister Noel Marandola and her husband Bobby (Jack) of East Greenwich. He was the cherished grandson of Mary (Marchetti) Marandola of Providence and the late Arthur Marandola, Sr., Michael and Cecelia (McAvoy) Taraborelli; he also leaves behind his aunties, uncles and many loving cousins.

His funeral will be held on Monday, at 9:00 a.m. from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St. Matthew Church, Cranston. Burial will take place in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. VISITING HOURS: SUNDAY from 4:00-8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Harbor House of Providence, RI. Donations can be sent to 12 Basett Street Providence, RI 02903.