Shapiro, Jeffrey N., 76, died on Monday, August 3, 2026, with his loving wife of 52 years, Susan by his side. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, he was a son of the late Jack and Ethel (Berman) Shapiro. He had lived in Marlborough, MA for 41 years. He travelled often for work, living in many places like Huron, OH, Syracuse, NY, Vermont and New York City. Jeffrey graduated from Boston University in 1972 with his Bachelor of Science and from New York University in 1974 with his Master of Public Administration.

He was a manager for non-profit agencies for 30 years, specializing with vulnerable communities suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, retiring in 2008. Jeff was a dedicated collector of stamps and he dutifully belonged to and served as an officer of the United States Stamp Society and the American Philatelic Society. Part of his duties to these groups was to serve as an accredited judge of collections and appraiser for the other collectors during stamp shows. When Jeff was able to, he would unwind with romantic classical music like the compositions of Gustav Mahler. He also just appreciated being able to spend his life alongside his loving wife, Susan (Schiff) Shapiro. Together they built a beautiful life devoted to their joys and traveling.

In addition to his wife, Jeffrey is survived by his siblings, Stephen Shapiro and his wife Deborah of Orlando, FL and Marilyn Hazen and her husband Jack of New Smyrna Beach, FL, his in-laws Barry and Pam Schiff of Cranston, RI, his nephew Bennett Schiff, as well as his other 7 nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Sons of Israel and David Cemetery, 401 Reservoir Avenue, Providence, RI 02910. Shiva will be observed in private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the World Central Kitchen, Inc., P.O. Box 96538, Washington, DC 20090.

Kaplan, Kenneth E., 79, died Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center. He was the beloved husband of the late Susan (Darcy) Kaplan. Born and raised in Providence, a son of the late Nathan and Mary (Coppola) Kaplan, he had lived in West Warwick for 15 years, previously living in Cranston, and was a lifelong resident of RI.

He was a correctional officer at the ACI since 1982, retiring in 2015. Kenneth was a Viet Nam Marine veteran. He was a graduate of Mt Pleasant High School Class of 1965, a member of Foster Pine Tree Gun Club, a former member of Temple Emanu-El, and earned a business degree from Roger Williams University.

Devoted father of Kendra Kaplan and her friend, Dr. Daniel Collins, of West Warwick, RI, Leanne Kaplan and her husband, Jhon Wood, of Johnston, RI, and Sherry Kaplan of West Warwick, RI. Loving grandfather of Woody.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in SHALOM MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 1100 New London Ave., Cranston. Shiva will be observed in private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904.

To join the services virtually, please click here on day of service.

Meeting ID: 817 5408 1750

Passcode: 943506

Abrams, Andrew C., 67, passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Rhode Island Hospital. Born in Providence, a son of the late Victor and Leah (Eisenstadt) Abrams, he had lived in Bristol for 2 years but had spent most of his adult life in Pawtucket. Andrew was a treasured member of The ARC of Blackstone Valley for over 20 years where he cultivated bonds and friendships with housemates and staff alike.

Andrew is described as an enthusiastic and easy-going person. He was as happy to go for walks with his housemates as he was to visit concerts and play basketball. Prior to COVID, Andrew was a devoted volunteer with the Blackstone Valley gardening project at Daggett Farm, he proudly tended to the plants: watering and weeding were his specialties, when given the opportunity, he would make very involved and beautiful arrangements that would later be sold to the community. Andrew sought out new experiences and eventually he, along with his dearest friends, Jim and John, would be known as the 3-Musketeers; they bowled together, painted pots together and participated in Best Buddies and attended the Special Olympics. Andrew was non-verbal, but his enthusiasm and joy were contagious, he followed the flow of life and made sure to stop and appreciate it in his own ways.

A devoted best friend of Jim and John, a dear friend Ryan, who has been consistently by his side for many years and Angela, as well as the entire community of The Arc of Blackstone Valley. Dear brother of Marlene Miller, her husband Stephen, of San Francisco, CA. Beloved uncle of Joseph (Nabat), Aaron, and Lee. He was also the great-uncle of Leah and Nathan.

Graveside services will be held Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Lincoln Park Cemetery, 1469 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02888. Shiva will be observed in private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to The Arc of Blackstone Valley, 500 Prospect Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860.

Mayer, Howard M., 95, died Monday, July 20, 2026 at home, surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of the late Judith (Daly) Mayer. Born in Brooklyn, Ny, a son of the late Edward and Leah (Chefer) Mayer, he had lived in Providence for 4 years, previously living in Sanibel Island, FL. He was the owner of Carpet World in Bridgeport, CT, retiring 33 years ago. Howard was a proud Sargent in the United States Marine Corps, serving during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of Temple Emanu-El, Providence; Temple Bat Yam, Sanibel Island, FL; Temple Judea, Fort Myers, FL; and Temple Beth El, Fairfield, CT. He graduated Stuyvesant High School, Manhattan, NY.

Devoted father of Jonathan Mayer and his wife, Maureen, of Wesley Chapel, FL and Cantor Brian Mayer and his wife, Cantor Lynn Torgove, of Providence. Dear brother of the late Gary Mayer. Loving grandfather of Eric, Katie, David, Raphael, Daniel, Jonah, and the late Ryan. Cherished great grandfather of Grayson, Maverick, Franklin, Julian, and Morgan.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. in Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Avenue, Providence. Shiva will be observed at 62 Westford Rd., Providence with Minyan Wednesday, 8:15 p.m., Thursday 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m., Sunday 7:45 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Monday 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Tuesday 7:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to The HaZamir Fund, c/o Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Avenue, Providence, RI 02906 or Providence VA Medical Center, 830 Chalkstone Ave., Providence, RI 02908.

To attend services via Zoom, please click here.

Shatz, Elaine S., 83, died on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Bayview at Scalabrini in North Kingstown. She was the beloved wife of the late Franklin B. Shatz for 36 years. Born in Providence, she was a daughter of the late Murray and Irene (Sock) Cohen she had lived in West Warwick for 29 years, previously living in Warwick for 27 years. Elaine is a graduate of Bryant College in 1962; She was a former operations administrator with Citizens Bank. Elaine was a devoted member of the former Temple Am David. Elaine lived a peaceful life, but she read often, she often told her family that reading was an opportunity to take her mind on adventures from the comfort of her home.

Devoted mother of Laurie Roles, her husband Keith, of Coventry and the late Steven Shatz. Dear sister of Harvey Cohen, his wife Penny, of Lunenburg, MA. Loving grandmother of Sean, his wife Tayla, and Bethany.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Lincoln Park Cemetery, 1469 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02888. Shiva will be observed in private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to: American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA  22116-7023 or the Alzheimer’s Association: RI Chapter,  245 Waterman St #306, Providence, RI 02906.

Kasten, Ruth L., 79, died Sunday, July 5, 2026 while on vacation in Kamiah, Idaho. She was the beloved wife of the late Gerald Kasten (Z”L) and later, the cherished partner of Bob Feldman of Framingham, MA. Born in New York City, a daughter of the late Henry and Evelyn (Licht) Rahm (Z”L), she had lived in East Greenwich, RI for 51 years.

Ruth was Controller of Pilgrim Title Insurance Company in Providence, RI for many years, cutting back on hours more recently, but never quite managing to fully retire.

Nothing was more important to Ruth than family. She spent happy days preparing for big family gatherings, and the harder it was to fit everyone in her home, the happier she was. Thanksgiving and Mother’s Day were her favorites, bringing her so much joy to get the entire extended/blended (always her words) family together.

She lived every moment for her grandchildren, and would do (and did) absolutely anything for them. Plans were arranged around every special occasion. She refused to miss a single one, and cherished every moment she spent with them. Ruth loved to travel, and was always excitedly planning her next adventure. She loved to hike, take walks, and stay active and moving all the time. She loved the theatre, whether taking trips to New York with her grandchildren (where she also loved showing them where she grew up), organizing big family groups to see shows at PPAC, or watching her grandchildren onstage and behind the scenes.

Devoted mother of Adam Alper and his wife, Kim Sinclair, of Randolph, MA; Jen Zinno and her husband, Matt, of Sharon, MA; Sheryl Caissie and her husband, Brian, of Alva, FL; Larry Kasten and his wife, Jill, of Worcester, MA; and Susan Abrahams and her husband, David, of Austin, TX. Dear sister of Alan Rahm of Sewickley, PA and Maxine Solomon of Raleigh, NC. Loving grandmother of Elizabeth, Jacob, and Aster Zinno; Daniel Caissie and Sarah Lewis; Joshua, Hannah, Avery, and Levi Kasten; Samuel and the late Harry Abrahams (Z”L). In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness or The Providence Performing Arts Center.

Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at the Priest Chapel in Lincoln Park Cemetery, 1469 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02888 at 11:00 a.m. Shiva is Monday, 7/13, 3pm – 7pm at her home, 95 Fry Brook Drive, East Greenwich, RI, and Tuesday, 7/14, 4pm – 8pm at her daughter Jen’s home, 23 Grape Shot Road, Sharon, MA..

Goldstein, Burton W., 94, died Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Cherry Hill Manor. He was the beloved husband of the late Fay Goldstein. Born in Providence, a son of the late Louis and Sadie (Blazer) Goldstein, he was a lifelong Providence resident. Burton was the owner of the former Goldstein Electric and East Side Electric, retiring after 2000. Burton was a Korean Conflict Navy veteran, serving in Caanes, France. He was a member of Temple Beth-El, Touro Fraternal Association, The Masons: Jenks Lodge 24, and he was also a Shriner.

Devoted father of Brent Goldstein and his partner, Dale Damewood, of Holiday, FL, Estelle Laborio and her husband, Joseph, of Johnston, RI, Pamela Caito of Cranston, RI, and Beth Myers and her husband, Ed, of Lincoln, RI. Dear brother of the late Irvina Katz and brother-in-law of Stephen Petti of Lincoln, RI. Loving grandfather of Fay and her husband, Nick. Cherished great grandfather of Ella.

Funeral services were held Tuesday in SHALOM MEMORIAL CHAPEL. Shiva was private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Fay Goldstein Memorial Fund c/o Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Avenue, Providence, RI 02906. For online condolences, please visit ShalomMemorialChapel.com.

Ernest Kramer Chernick. Former Long-time resident of Providence. Son of the late Faye & Joseph Chernick of Providence, RI and soulmate & life partner of the late Elena Sacks of Warwick for 35+ years. Step father to Jonathan & Marla Sacks and a Grandfather to Amanda, Jeremy, Eliana, Benjamin, and Rachel Sacks.

Graduate of Hope High, Bryant College majoring in accounting but found his niche in his K. C. Insurance Agency for 30 years. Ernie had a mathematical mind and a good head for sought-after advice.

He was a founding member of Crestwood Country Club and a member of Ledgemont and Metacomet Country Club. His final months were spent at Allegro Living in Harrington Park, NJ where he enjoyed card games with his family close by.

Together Ernie and Elena enjoyed worldwide travel. And most importantly, they were a happy loving couple.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Lincoln Park Cemetery, 1469 Post Road, Warwick at 11:00 a.m. Shiva is private. All donations in his memory can be made to the Salvation Army or a charity of your choice.

Cohen, Pauline Estelle, 93, died on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rhode Island Hospital. She was the beloved wife of the late Barry Cohen for 67 years. Born in Providence, a daughter of the late Dr. Harry and Martha (Bezan) Dress, she had lived in Providence, previously living in Cranston and Narragansett. An honors graduate of Hope High School, she worked as a bookkeeper in her youth. She was a life member of Miriam Hospital Women’s Association, the ACBL and a devoted Temple Sinai member. A card shark, Pauline loved tournament bridge all her life. Known by her family as “the General” she was the driving force propelling the whole family through a life of adventure, travel and the best of family times.

Devoted mother of Lawrence Joel Cohen and his wife, Maryann (Sowa) Cohen, Holly Jane Cohen, Mitchell James Cohen, and Sharon Diane Cohen and her wife, Jennifer Zannelli. Dear sister of Jeffrey Dress and the late Samuel I. Dress. Loving grandmother of Benjamin, Edward, Liberty (Devin), and David (Camille). Sister-in-law of Charlotte Cohen and the late Harold Cohen and aunt to Andrew, Peter and Jason.

Graveside services will be held Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. in the Swan Point Cemetery, 585 Blackstone Blvd, Providence. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the animal shelter or charity of your choice.

Germain, Karen P., 82, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Johnston with her loving family by her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Richard Germain for 34 years. Born in Albany, NY, she was a daughter of the late Jacob and Sarah (Hittner) Gleckman, after Sarah’s untimely passing, she was raised by her adopted mother, Rebecca (Hittner) Gleckman. Karen attended Hope High School and graduated in 1962; she immediately married and started a family. Her life was dedicated to creating a home in Warwick where she remained for 58 years.

Karen was a devoted dog mom, she gave her love and devotion to many poodles and golden retrievers over the years, none as special as Faith whom she lost in 2019 after 12 love filled years. She was an avid vegetable gardener for many years until she was no longer able to care for her beds. When life slowed down some, she found time to enjoy Days of Our Lives.