Bernardo “Ben” Gentile, 87, of Waterview Drive, Smithfield, died Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at Fatima Hospital. He was the husband of Arlene (Joly) Jarvis-Gentile. They had been married for 24 years.
Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Alfonso and Emma (Contenti) Gentile. He had lived in Smithfield for 47 years. Ben served in the US Marine Corps during Korea.
Ben worked for the USPS at the Providence location before retiring in1992. After retiring Ben worked for many years for his good friend James Hallal at J’s Deli in Smithfield.
Ben coached little league baseball and youth basketball for over 20 years. He also enjoyed golfing, fishing, and spending time with his family. He enjoyed activities with friends at the Smithfield Senior Center.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his children: Lisa Gentile of Greenville, Bernardo “Benny” Gentile, Jr. and his wife, Kama of Glocester, Gina LaPlante and her husband, Gary of North Scituate, his 11 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, his step children: Stephen Jarvis of Smithfield, Paula Coyne of Coventry and Carol Peloquin of Smithfield.
He is also survived by his brother and sisters: Harry Gentile and his wife, Dahlia, Antonetta Farrell and her husband, Robert Farrell, Dolores Bennett and her husband Eric Bennett and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Gloria Prowtroski, Orlando and Fred Gentile.
His funeral mass is private by invitation only due to COVID restrictions. An internet viewing will be available on Wednesday, December 30th, at 11am by visiting:
https://www.youtube.com/SaintPhilipParishGreenvilleRI
Donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-0050
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital