Josephine V. Ponanski, 86, formerly of Sprague Street, died Sunday, February 1, 2015, with her family by her side, at Hospice Care of RI Inpatient Center. She was the wife of the late Peter Ponanski.
Born in Cranston, she was a daughter of the late Benedetto and Lucrezia (Soave) Volpe, she lived in Smithfield since 1955.
Josephine was a RI state employee for over 25 years previously working for Smithfield public schools before transferring to RI College. She was an Elk’s Club member. She loved to cook Sunday dinner for her family the most. She also loved gardening and caring for other and volunteered at her parish, St. Philip’s Church.
She is survived by her children: Roger Ruotolo of Glocester, Larry Ruotolo of Jamestown, Jeff Ruotolo of Greenville and Nancy Ruotolo Hull also of Greenville; her grandchildren, Jason Ruotolo, Sarah Ruotolo Bigelow, Curtis Ruotolo, Lauren Ruotolo, Nichole Lavender, Nicholas Ruotolo, Brandon Ruotolo, Elaina Hull-Foxx and Vanessa Hull and 8 great grandchildren; her siblings, Benedetto Volpe, Angela Puopolo and Barbara Erb. She was the grandmother of the late Justin Ruotolo and sister of the late Frank, Nicholas, Angelo and Carlo Volpe, Rose Impagliazzo, Nancy Golini, Dorothy Bevilacqua and Mufalda Carnevale.
Her funeral was private. In lieu of flowers donations in her memory may be made to Home & Hospice Care of RI, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904.