Lawrence M. Nardi

Lawrence. M. Nardi, 98, of Smithfield and formerly of North Providence, passed away Thursday March 21st, surrounded by his loving family.  He was the beloved husband of the late Frances (Lotito) Nardi for 67 years.

Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Zacharia and Maria (LaRaia) Nardi.

Mr. Nardi joined the United States Marine Corp during World War II and was certified as an airplane armorer and gunner, and he also qualified as a sharpshooter. He actively participated in Okinawa during the largest amphibious assault of the war in 1945, to help secure the island for an Allied invasion.

Upon returning home from the war, Lawrence completed his education and began his career as a Tool and Die Maker. He worked in the Providence Jewelry District and was ultimately employed by Eli Metal Products for most of his career.

Lawrence was an avid Body Builder and Powerlifter which he pursued most of his life, winning a statewide title in the 1940’s. He was a Senior Olympian for 20 years from ages 59-79. He was also member of the Smithfield Sportsman Club where over the years he won many 1st Place awards for trap shooting. Additionally, Lawrence was an accomplished woodworker and enjoyed making furniture. In his later life he cherished spending time with his two great grandsons. He would spend countless hours with them playing in the backyard, making wood projects, tending to the garden, and faithfully watching them play sports. Lawrence was a loving and devoted family man who will be missed by many.

He is survived by two grandsons, Zachary L. Nardi Jr. and his wife Lorrena, and Mark Nardi; two great grandsons, Jack Nardi and Joshua Nardi; a daughter-in-law, Joan Nardi Tanner and several nieces and nephews. He was the father of the late Zachary “Jack” Nardi, Sr. and brother of the late Flavio Nardi, Anne Dumas, Estelle Martella, Albert Nardi, Rosaria Nardi, Thelma Muccino, and Liana Boule.

Visiting hours will be at the A.A. Mariani & Son Funeral Home, 200 Hawkins Street, Providence, Monday March 25th, from 8:00-9:15 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at St. Michael Church, 80 Farnum Pike, Smithfield.  Burial with military honors will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Special Olympics of RI, 370 George Washington Highway, Smithfield RI 02917, Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, or Hope Health Hospice and Palliative care, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904.