Dolores "Dee" J. Santopadre

Dolores “Dee” J. (Barone) Santopadre, age 88, passed away peacefully on a crisp sunny morning, December 16, 2023. She was the beloved wife of the late Henry “Hank” G. Santopadre, whom she adored, devoted mother to Dyan and Linda; older sister to the late Ronald “Ronnie” Barone; and stepsister of Joseph, Kenneth (RIP) and Jeffrey Barone. She also leaves behind her “other daughters” Debi and Linda, son-in-law Robert, several nieces, nephews, close cousins, and dear friends, as well as her extended Santopadre family.

Born in Providence, Dee was the daughter of the late Joseph and Josephine (Opielawski) Barone, and raised by her mother, Josephine (Billie) and Vincent (Vinny) Connell, until she married and moved to New York in her early twenties. It was there that her two daughters were born, and there was nothing dearer to her than the two of them. She was strong and independent, and when she and the girls returned to RI, she raised them to also be strong and independent. She was so proud when they each took their own journeys, and thrilled when they each eventually moved back “home” to RI, where their small family grew even closer. Both were by her side to care for her through the serious health challenges she faced this year.

Early in her career, Dee worked for the telephone company, then as a nursing coordinator and a phlebotomist, but her happiest years were spent working with Hank. The two of them were inseparable. After they married, Hank and Dee worked together in their own Donut Shop. Later, she spent 17 years working at Twin River Casino, which was also one of their favorite places to go. Once retired, Dee volunteered in the Foster Grandparents Program at the Wanskuck Library, which was a perfect fit for her, as she was an avid reader. It was not unusual for her to read 2-3 books per week…mystery novels. “Miss Dee” was considered part of the library family and visited regularly, even after she was unable to volunteer any longer. She will be greatly missed, and forever in our hearts.

Special thanks to cousin Paula and dear friend Denise.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate her life on Thursday, December 28, 2023 from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Pontarelli-Marino Home, 971 Branch Ave, Providence. A blessing will take place at 6:00 p.m. Visitors are welcome to share memories and/or stories.

Contributions in Dee’s memory may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org