Donald E. Connetti, 89, of Smithfield, passed away at his home and surrounded by his family on August 21, 2025.
Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Joseph and Anna (Esposito) Connetti.
Donald was a proud graduate of La Salle Academy, Class of 1954, and went on to attend the University of Rhode Island Extension.
A hardworking and entrepreneurial man, Donald was the owner and operator of Connetti Construction, the Connetti Bus Company, and Blossom Trail Orchards in Greenville. Donald’s cored, peeled and sliced apples were used in local restaurants and bakeries throughout RI and New England. Blossom Trail Orchards’ legacy will continue under the leadership of Michael Austin, who is part of the extended Connetti family. Donald had sold Christmas trees that brought holiday cheer to many Smithfield families.
Deeply rooted in the Smithfield community, Donald was a longtime member of the Smithfield Grange and a devoted parishioner of St. Philip Church.
Donald is survived by his many beloved nieces and nephews, Beverly Hardman, David Connetti, Dian Rekrut, Steven Connetti, the late Joseph Notarianni, Donna Ciccarelli, Cheryl Ciotola, Wayne Connetti, Lori Tait, Denise Tavalaiccio, Mark Connetti, Dr. Dena Cassidy, and Dr. Eric Hall. His step-children, Wendy DelGiudice, Laurie Giard-Maguire, and Jeffrey Giard. He also leaves behind many great-nieces and great nephews and great-great grandnieces and great great grandnephews who will cherish his memory. He was the brother of the late Marie Notarianni, Anna Cabral, Joseph Connetti, and Carol Hall. He also leaves his devoted brother-in-law, caretaker and best friend Dr. Ronald J. Hall and his caretaker for several years, Michelle Zhang.
Donald will be remembered for his lifelong devotion to family and faith, his generosity, and his lasting contributions to the Smithfield community.
His funeral will be held Tuesday August 26th at 9am from the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, route 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am in St. Philip Church, 622 Putnam Pike, Greenville. Burial will be in St. Ann’s Cemetery, Cranston. Visitation to which relatives and friends are invited will be held Monday August 25th from 4-7pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude's Place, Memphis, TN 38105
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital