Piacentini, William J. Jr., 79, passed peacefully Thursday, May 16, 2024 at the Royal Middletown Nursing Home, in Middletown surrounded by his family. Born in Providence, he was the oldest son of the late William and Josephine (Dekevich) Piacentini.
Bill graduated from Providence College in 1966, then went on to earn a Master of Arts in American and Asian History in 1970 (Providence College), followed by a Master of Science in Teaching in 1971 (University of Missouri-Columbia). Bill was a history teacher for over 30 years, starting in the South Kingston Public School System (1966-1968), then the Cranston Public School System before retiring in 1997. Bill was instrumental in helping establish the Genesis Preparatory School for Indochinese, serving as Principal from 1982-1984. After retiring, Bill taught English at Rokiskis College in Lithuania. Bill dedicated his life to teaching and learning; he spent many summers attending Summer Institutes all over the world.
He is survived by 4 nieces: Lynn-Ann Piacentini, Laurie (Bryan) Funk, Lisa (Patrick) Crowley and Christina (Raymond) Roy; six great nieces and nephews: Ben, Katie, Danny Funk, Alyssa and Noah Roy, and Logan Crowley; his sister-in-law Barbara Piacentini. In addition to his parents, Bill is preceded in death by his brother John L. Piacentini.
His life will be celebrated with calling hours Tuesday, May 21, 2024 from 8:00 am to 10:15 am in the Stapleton Family Funeral Home, 684 Park Avenue, Cranston with a Mass of Christian Burial in the Assumption Church, 791 Potters Avenue at 11:00 am. Burial will follow in Saint Ann Cemetery, Cranston, RI.