George Goneconto, age 90, an accomplished musician, educator, and dedicated father passed away peacefully in his Segar Cove Matunuck home on April 8, 2026. Born February 25, 1936 in Providence, he raised his family in Barrington.
George's musical talents emerged at a very young age. He took percussion lessons with George Geer who made an exception for him due to his father’s persistence and began his studies at the age of 9. Years later, George replaced him as the principal timpanist in the RI Philharmonic Orchestra, a position he would hold for 25 years.
He spent his teen years performing in dance clubs and concert halls with professional jazz musicians. He graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1955 and received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education from the Boston Conservatory. He also performed with the Boston Pops under the directorship of Arthur Fiedler. He filled in with the BSO and was invited to study at Tanglewood.
He was the principal Timpanist for the RI Philharmonic, and Musical Director and conductor for the New Music Ensemble. He performed at the Warwick Musical Theater and the Cape Melody Tent. He also performed with the Springfield Symphony, the RI Civic Choral, and Westerly Chorus under the direction of George Kent and at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul under the direction of Alex Peloquin and Monsignor Mancini.
George was the Director of Music at Warren Public Schools for 28 years and Professor of Music at Rhode Island College for 36 years. Many students stayed connected to him through his last years. Some notable musicians he performed with include Dave Brubeck, Giorgio Tozzi, Robert Goullet, Frankie Lane, Tony Bennett, and Louis Armstrong.
Memorial Mass 10:00 am, June 20 at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence.
He was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Lena A. Goneconto; brother, Joseph A. Goneconto; and mother-in-law Barbara C. Boyle and sisters-in-law Betty Boyle and Ann Boyle.
George is survived by sons George W. Goneconto (Si Si) of Needham, MA and Greggory P. Goneconto (Lori) of Sarasota, FL; beloved grandchildren Timothy (Samantha), Jackie, Nicholas and Luke, and great grandchildren Matthew and Sophia; and his former wife Patricia Goneconto.
The family would like to thank his devoted caregivers Marilyn, Marissa, Cheryl, and his hospice team,who made it possible for him to live continuously in the home he so loved. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Amedisys Foundation, 1130 Tenrod Road, Suite A205, North Kingstown, RI 02852 or George Goneconto Scholarship Fund, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, P.O. Box 24231, New York, NY 10087-4231, Please write George Goneconto in the memo line.