Richard Allen Powers Sr.

Richard was born on December 1, 1931, in Providence, RI, the son of Joseph and Marion Powers. He graduated from LaSalle Academy in 1949, where he was a star pitcher on the varsity baseball team. Throughout his childhood, his love of baseball kept him busy with pickup games and parish teams.

A standout athlete, he was selected, at age 15, as the starting pitcher for the American Legion Junior team. He was scouted by multiple farm teams and invited to pitch batting practice for one minor league team. Unfortunately, the development of bursitis in his elbow effectively dashed any hopes of a career in baseball.

After high school, he worked at Saints Peter and Paul Mausoleum, where his work ethic was noted. His manager encouraged him to apply for a job at the Narragansett Electric Company, or “the plant,” as he called it. He started working there as a meter reader in 1951.

After only a year at the plant, he enlisted in the Army to serve in the Korean War. He worked in communications and then as a medic in the 14th Infantry Regiment, Company I, until his release from active duty in July 1954, at which point he returned to his former company. He retired from the plant in 1994 from the role of Switchboard Operator, where he was responsible for bringing Fox Point’s generators online or offline as electricity demand fluctuated.

Richard married the love of his life, Georgia Denish, on May 26, 1956, in Cranston, RI. They lived in the Apponaug section of Warwick, where they raised their four children. His home became a popular gathering place for many family reunions, eventually bringing together three generations of the Powers family.

Following the death of his wife, Richard found happiness in helping others. He thrived while assisting with his children’s wiring projects, finding good deals at supermarkets, and even throwing a lawn mower in his trunk to help someone who couldn’t mow their own grass. An accomplished cook, he was known for his meatballs and lasagna, which he was always happy to share with his family.

Richard was predeceased by his beloved son, Kerry, in 2000; his cherished wife, Georgia, in 2002; and his dear older brother, Joseph, in 2019. He leaves behind a brother, James, of Cranston, RI; a brother, Eugene “Barney”, of Cranston, RI; a sister, Marion “Toppy,” of Cranston; his loving daughter, Deborah Mattera, of North Kingstown, RI; a son, Richard Jr., of Leominster, MA; his youngest son, Christopher, of Hope Valley, RI; 11 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Visitation for Richard will be held Wednesday, September 4, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Russell J Boyle and Son Funeral Homes, 142 Centerville Rd., Warwick, RI 02886. His Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Gregory the Great Church, 360 Cowesett Rd, Warwick, RI. Burial with full military honors will follow at The RI Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, Exeter.

In lieu of flowers. donations in Richard's memory should be made to Hope Hospice and Palliative Care at www.hopehealthco.org/ways-to-give/donatenow/