EDWARD F. WACHOWICZ SR.

Cumberland – Edward F. Wachowicz, 95, passed away on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, with his daughter by his side. He was the loving and devoted husband of the late Jennie (Orchel) Wachowicz for seventy-one years. Born and raised in Valley Falls, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Twarog) Wachowicz and brother of the late Chester J. Wachowicz and Amelia Wachowicz.

Mr. Wachowicz worked for the State of Rhode Island Division of Purchases for 40 years, rising from an entry-level position as Inspector in Standards and Specifications to Chief Buyer in the Department of Administration. During his career, he had the privilege of meeting governors and senators, and was well-respected by colleagues, agency heads, and vendors throughout the state because of his honesty and integrity.

Mr. Wachowicz proudly served in the United States Navy. Between 1946-1947, he was assigned to the Naval Amphibious Base at Little Creek, Virginia, following training at the Bainbridge Naval Training Center in Maryland. From 1951-1952, he served aboard the U.S.S. Adirondack (AGC-15), flagship and headquarters of the 6th fleet. While in the Mediterranean, Dwight D. Eisenhower, then head of NATO, came aboard his vessel. Mr. Wachowicz was a member of the USNTC Bainbridge Association, the USS LSM(R) Association, and the USS AGC Flagship Alliance. Within his community, he served as Trustee of the Boys and Girls Club of Cumberland-Lincoln and in 2002 was inducted into its Hall of Fame. For 15 years, he was a medalist in the Rhode Island Senior Olympics. Each week, he enjoyed bowling in the Tuesday Seniors League. He was also a member of the Town of Cumberland Seniors.

Mr. Wachowicz is survived by his son Edward F. Wachowicz, Jr., and his wife Dr. Joanne Butler of Manhasset, NY; his daughter Janice Coles and her husband Dr. F. Bruce Coles of Slingerlands, NY; his beloved grandchildren, Emily Rochac Argueta (husband Carlos), Mary Kulhanek (husband Stephen), John Wachowicz, and Anne Wachowicz; and four beloved great-grandchildren, Chloe and Lily Rochac Argueta and Arthur and Veronica Kulhanek. He also leaves a loving goddaughter, Dorene Wachowicz Godfrey, and several loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation will begin on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 8:30 AM at the Karol A. Romenski & Sons Funeral Home, 342 High Street, Central Falls, with a Mass of Christian Burial following at 10:00 AM in St. Joseph's Church, 391 High Street, Central Falls. RELATIVES AND FRIENDS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.

Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cumberland.

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