Alec B. Sinel
Alec B. Sinel, 76, of North Kingstown, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 23, 2021, surrounding by his loving family. He was married to Donna Gittleman Sinel for 50 years.
Born in Pawtucket, he was the son of the late Ben and Thelma (Abrich) Sinel. After graduating from Pawtucket West High School, he went to the University of Rhode Island. In his senior year, he left to join the Marines, which he always felt was a very important time in his life. Returning to URI after his service, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. His accounting career began in 1969 with Laventhol and Horvath in Providence and then on to David Allen and Associates. In 1982 Alec became a founding partner of Sinel, Wilfand & Vinci, CPAs, Inc. He earned a Master of Science and Taxation from Bryant College, and attained a certification designation with the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts specializing in the area of business valuations. He truly loved helping to solve the business problems of his clients, many who became his lifelong friends. He always cared very deeply about his partners and staff. He was a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Rhode Island Society of certified public accountants. Alec was a rock, always there throughout the years for so many who turned to him for guidance and help.
Over the years he had many hobbies including fishing on his boat, Smart Alec. An avid skier, he also enjoyed windsurfing, snorkeling and clay shooting. Alec was a lifelong fan of the Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox. Nothing made him happier than taking his family on vacations. Alec was well known for was his sense of humor and his ability to always tell a joke.
Alec’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He is survived by his loving children, Stacy Mancyak of Hope Valley, RI, and Daniel Sinel (wife Vanessa) of Providence, RI. He was the devoted grandfather of Alexa and Morgan Mancyak, brother of Ina Katzman (husband Norm) of North Kingstown, and the late Sharon Sinel. Alec is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom he loved dearly throughout his life.
Memorial gifts can be made to Hope Hospice and Palliative Care of RI, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Graveside services held via Zoom on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. To view a recording of the service, please click here.

Our prayers and sympathy in the loss of Alec. He had such an outgoing personality. In fond memory, Sue & Tom Brillat
Donna I’m so sorry to hear about Alex he always had a joke to share ! Let your memories help you through this . You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers
To Donna, Stacy, Dan and extended family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Alec was one of a kind. May he rest in peace.
Sherry & Steve Ferdinandi
Alec was our accountant but more importantly, a good friend of ours.
Alec always had a joke and a story. We were both fishermen and I gave him plugs I made and flies I tied. He married Jeanne’s childhood best friend, Donna. We had so much in common.
I find it hard to accept that he is gone and way too young.
Jeanne and I send our heartfelt condolences to The Sinel family
I am so sorry about your loss and I want to express my deepest condolences. Alec was a good man and we all feel your loss.
The world will not be the same. Alec was a true professional and a man of all seasons. He made all activities that we shared from evaluating financial statements to “dusting” clays and filleting fish an adventure! My heart felt condolences to the Sinel family.
Just heard the very sad news of Alec’s passing. He was a dear friend to me and we shared many memories of growing up in Shore Acres together. Fishing, water skiing, laughing all the time. He wad my “big brother in our fraternity at URI and a life long friend. He will be missed.
Alec was my guide, confidant and advisor during many of my life’s most trying times.
If it was not for his steady hand on my business and my life during those times…I’m not at all sure I would have made it through.
Although I heard many of the same jokes again and again they always made me laugh and break the seriousness of some of our meetings.
Truly one of a kind he was…my sincere condolences to the family. May his strong presence in life continue in your hearts forever.
Donna and Stacy. I met Alec 58 years ago at Pawtucket West. During my senior year( Alec was at URI) I weeded and mowed his Aunt Sadie’s lawn. This past summer Alec reminded me to mow Sadie’s lawn. Donna and I could reminisce for hours of Alec’s exploits at URI.Alec was and will always be a friend for the ages. Hopefully, within a few months all of his numerous friends and family can get together and celebrate Alec’s life. Alec was a one of a kind mensch.
Donna
We feel a real loss at Alec’s passing. We know that you and your family will have amazing memories of your shared lives.
Alec was a Man among Men. A real Mensch.
Semper Fi
Donna, Stacy, Danny and Family – our deepest respect and sympathy in the passing of Alec. Alec leaves a legacy to all he has touched. I caught my first Striper on the “Smart Alec” (how rightfully named), learned a few ‘choice’ jokes, admired his fish tank & impeccable garage. Growing up around Alec was a blessing and I appreciated his mentorship from our young days on the beach to our maturing days in the office. Thank you Alec. -Greg
So sorry for your loss. Alec was a true friend. He enjoyed life to the fullest never taking a day for granted. The wonderful memories will keep him close. God Bless.
A man who really loved life. He always seemed so present, he talked to us kids like he was one of us. He was a legend. That’s who Alec was to us as kids, as we spent almost every day running around Bonnet. I can still vividly see him screaming across the bay on his windsurfer. So sorry for your loss.
My condolences to the very nice family Alec left behind. A man grinning from ear to ear as he delivered the punch line to his next joke. He also took the best picture of my boat! He spoke with pride about his family, and was just always a pleasure to talk with. May the good memories temper the sadness of loss. Alec was a good man.
Husband, father, grandfather, forever friend. Smart, honest, caring…totally unique. Alec worked hard and played harder.
He leaves us all with stories and memories of his joy for life. And, of course , the jokes!
We are so sad at the loss of this wonderful friend.
Donna Stacy &Dan. I am very sorry for your loss.
Alec was truly a great friend and mentor .
From our many adventures together – fishing in the Florida Keys attending boat shows , Celtic games and so much more our enjoyment will always be memorable .
I will miss him and his daily phone calls .
Thank you Alec for you have done for me and my family
Our thoughts and prayers are with this wonderful family during the passing of this wonderful man! Alec always had a joke, always offered advice, and was a great friend to our Mother, Marie Openshaw. We always consider the entire family as our family, and pray that God will surround everyone with wonderful memories of the man, the husband, the father, and the grandfather! We love you all so very much!
Uncle Alec. It is difficult to put words to the loss felt. He was, from the earliest time I remember in my life, an incredibly important person to me and my family. He was the coolest, the funniest, the most generous and sincerely honest man in my life over decades. I never missed his call (if I could help it) – be it a tax question or a check-in on me and my family.. A reassurance that he was keeping an eye on things that mattered to me. A sweet “Smart Alec” kind of guy. An adventurer. A man to be remembered always. I love you Uncle Alec and will miss you endlessly. Thank you for so many years of fun and love!
65 years of great adventures. We’ll miss you forever.
Bob and I were sorry to learn of Alec’s death. We know your many special memories of Alec will be a source of comfort for the entire family in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Diane Ducoff
Dad, you were the best daddy a girl could ask for. I was your princess and my daughters were your angels! You would light up when you would see us. I appreciate you fighting for us with every breath you took. Not many days went by where you didn’t call to check up on your little girl. You will always remain in my heart and I will do my best to be strong for you. I will always be your princess, your sweetheart, your everything and never forget forever and ever! Love you daddy! May you Rest In Peace ❤️
My deepest condolences to Alec’s family and friends. I truly enjoyed our many conversations about photography, Alec’s jokes, and his words of wisdom. May he RIP.
My accountant ,and great friend, I have missed him sense his retirement and very sad I’ll never see him again.
Condolences to his loving family.
Jay