Stapleton Family Funeral Home
and Crematorium Center

 

Tomasso, Esq., Raymond A, 88, died Sunday, June 30, 2019. A lifelong resident of Providence he was married to Rosemarie (Michela) Tomasso (Deceased). Her family operated the antique Philadelphia Toboggan Carousel #44 in Roger Williams Park for 3 generations. She, in later years, came to be known as “The Merry-Go-Round Lady. In 1950 he entered the amusement business and owned the Carousel and Arcade games at Lake Mishnock, in Coventry. He sold that business and for many years went on to operate the helicopter Ride and Pony Cart Ride in Roger Williams Park. Later, he and his friend and fellow concessioner Edward Kelly, ran the food concessions there in the park as well.

While working there he obtained his BS in Business Administration in 1971 from the University of Rhode Island. In 1974 he received both his MBA from URI and his Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School. He was admitted to the RI Bar on his 44th birthday and specialized in real estate closings and probate matters.

He served as a Providence City Councilman from Ward 9 from 1976 to 1980. He was an avid golfer and ardent NY Yankee fan. He also enjoyed card games such as Pinochle, Hi Lo Jack and Cribbage as his favorites. He was a son of the late Michele and Angelina (Rossi) Tomasso. He leaves 2 sons; Raymond J. Tomasso and his wife Catherine of Cranston and John P Tomasso and his wife Winnie of Lincoln, 4 grandchildren Andrea, Sarah, Walter and Jack Tomasso. He was the brother of Eleanor Colangelo, Elda Rossi and Mario Tomasso all predeceased. His life will be celebrated with calling hours Friday from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Funeral Saturday at 8:30am in the Stapleton Family Funeral Home, 684 Park Avenue, Cranston. Mass of Christian Burial in St Mary Church, Cranston Street at 10:00am. Burial will be in Saint Ann Cemetery.