***DUE TO THE INCLEMENT WEATHER DOMENIC'S FUNERAL MASS WILL BE CELEBRATED AT 12PM.**
DiOrio, Domenic Jr., 86, of Johnston, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 11, 2020 surrounded by loved ones. He was the beloved husband of his late wife Rosemarie (Santoro) DiOrio. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Domenic and Cecilia (Signorelli) DiOrio.
Domenic was a highly educated individual. He was a Lasalle Academy Graduate, attended the Our Lady of Providence Seminary, graduated from Providence College with a BA, and graduated from URI where he earned his master’s degree. He participated in several post graduate programs and Fellowships as well.
Domenic worked as an educator for many years. He served as the Graduate Assistant of History and Political Science (URI), Adjunct Professor of History (RIC), and Adjunct Professor of History and Sociology (CCRI). He spent many years as part of the faculty for West Warwick High School as a History Teacher, Director of Choral Music, and Director of Vocational Education. Domenic also served at the Goodwill Industry of Rhode Island
Crossroads. He volunteered his time as Director of Music and Liturgy/Organist in several churches in the Providence diocese, and as Lecturer and Eucharistic minister for St. Anthony’s Church Providence and Our Lady of Grace Church Johnston. Domenic participated as a board member and chairperson for several committees related bringing music, services, and educational programs into communities. He was also Rhode Island Teacher of the Year (1969), West Warwick Teacher of the Year (1968), and recognized in“Who’s Who” in America (1970). Domenic was also recognized by the United States Department of Education for Vocational Education training programs, and the Department of Labor for discouraged populations.
He is survived by his loving daughters, Alicia Hanson with husband David of Scituate RI, and Elena Burdette with her husband Boyd of West Union SC, and Son in-law Russ Morgans of Putnam CT. He is also survived by grandchildren, Dr. Rachel Kennedy with husband Capt. Daniel Kennedy of Temple TX, Sydney Morgans with and her fiancé Chris Medeiros of Pawtucket RI, his youngest grandchildren David and Jillian Hanson, and his Great Granddaughter Rose Kennedy. He was the brother of the late Frank, John, Alfred and Amario DiOrio, Antonette Pepe and Carmela Ruggieri. Domenic is also survived by many friends, neighbors, his dog Enzo, and his best friend Carl and his wife Dawn McCurdy. Domenic was a passionate, kind-hearted man, who loved to make people smile. He enjoyed music, history, literature, and his faith; but most importantly he loved his friends and family dearly.
Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, December 17th at 10am at Our Lady of Grace Church, 15 George Waterman Rd., Johnston. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence.