Frances R. Hecker

DATELINE: PROVIDENCE Hecker, Frances Reeva, 88, died Monday, February 22, 2016 at Philip Hulitar Inpatient Center.  She was the beloved wife of Norman Hecker.  They were married for 68 years.  Born in Providence, a daughter of the late Max and Bessie (Goldman) Senders, she had lived in Cranston since 1974, previously living in Providence.  She was a manager at the former Grayson Clothing in Garden City and previously a salesperson at the former Shepard’s Department Store in Providence. Frances was a member of B’nai Brith and former member of Temple Am David. Devoted mother of Michael Hecker and his wife Martha of Paia, HI, and Barbara Hecker of Cranston.  Dear sister of Gloria Breit and her husband Erwin of Park Ridge, NJ and the late Sandra Senders...

Barbara W. Saroian

DATELINE: CRANSTON Saroian, Barbara W., 87, died peacefully on February 22, 2016. Born in Providence to the late Samuel and Dr. Hattie Wolfe, she was a lifetime resident of Rhode Island. She was a graduate of Hope High School and attended Pembroke College. Barbara worked as a business manager for AT&T, retiring 30 years ago. During her life, she was known for her style, warmth, generosity, wisdom, sense of humor, and love for the New England Patriots. Football season was her favorite, and before every game, she called her family to say “Go Pats”. Barbara is survived by her daughter, Susan Feldman, and her husband, Stephen, of Villanova, PA; granddaughter, Gillian Higman, her husband, Daniel, and daughter, April, of Cape May, NJ; and dear friend, Anthony...

Bernice S. Shapiro

DATELINE: WARWICK Shapiro, Bernice S., 86, died Saturday, February 20, 2016 at Philip Hulitar Inpatient Center, Providence.  She was the beloved wife of Henry Shapiro.  They were married for 66 years.  Born in Norwich, CT, a daughter of the late Sigmund and Rebecca (Kaufman) Dressler, she had lived in Warwick for 4 years, previously living in Cranston. Devoted mother of Howard Shapiro and his wife Janice of Cranston, Rhonda Fallk and her husband David of Clark Summit, PA, and Kenneth Shapiro of Las Vegas, NV.  Dear sister of Judith Karlin of MD and the late Justin and Marshall Dressler.  Loving grandmother of Derek, Stacy, Rebecca, and Murray.  Cherished great-grandmother of Londyn and Rivyr. Graveside services will be held on Monday, February 22 at 12:00...

Michael I. Holmes

DATELINE: ORLEANS, MA Holmes, Michael I., age 74, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 18, at Pleasant Bay Nursing Home, Brewster, MA.  Born in Cambridge, MA, Michael grew up in Boston’s Back Bay attending public schools and graduating from Boston Latin School in 1959.  He continued his education at UMass Amherst and Northeastern, and completed his BA at the University of Washington, Seattle.  He served in the Army from 1963-1966.  He is survived by his wife, Rebecca (Wollison), his daughter and her husband, Stacy and Marc Fournier, his son and his wife, Seth and Amanda Holmes, his granddaughter, Aileen Holmes, his brother-in-law, James Wollison, and his nephew, Will Wollison.  He was predeceased by his parents, Mildred and Sidney Holmes.  When...

Sanford “Sandy” Perler

DATELINE: CRANSTON Perler, Sanford “Sandy”, 74, died Saturday, February 13, 2016 at Miriam Hospital.  He was the beloved husband of the late Bonnie (Berger) Perler.  Born in Providence, a son of Ruth (Kaufman) Perler, of Warwick, and the late Samuel Perler, he was a lifelong resident of Cranston.  Sandy was the owner of Ocean State Label and Tag Co. for 20 years, retiring several years ago. He previously worked as an accountant for several local companies. He was a graduate of Bryant College, Class of ‘64. Sandy was a member of Touro Fraternal Association, active with the Jewish Seniors Agency, past President of the Residence Board at Shalom Apartments, and a board member of Camp Jori.  Devoted father of Gary Perler and his wife Loren of Mountain Lakes,...