Officer Charles A. Steele – Cranston Police

03/30/2026 by

Charles A. Steele

     Retired officer Charles Anthony Steele (“Charlie”), 78, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving daughters.  

     He was born in Providence, R.I., on October 16, 1947, the son of Harry and Eva Steele. Charlie will be remembered for his love of life, NASCAR, animals, and his gift for storytelling. He proudly served as a veteran of the United States Army and was a retired police officer for the Cranston Police Department, having been appointed to the department in February, 1974. 

     He is survived by his daughters, Michaela Rodriguez (Gil) and Shannon Steele (Sarah); his cherished grandchildren, Alexis, Cameron, and Maddy; and his brothers, Harry “Butchie” Steele (Alex) and Peter “Paeta” Steele (Gail), along with many beloved extended family members. 

     Rest in peace our brother. 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Sergeant Ralph E. Plamieri, Jr. – Cranston Police

02/11/2026 by

Sergeant Ralph E. Palmieri, Jr.

     Retired CPD sergeant Ralph E. Palmieri, Jr., a lifelong resident of Cranston, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026, in Providence, R.I., surrounded by his loving family. Born in Providence on May 28, 1959, he was the son of the late Ralph E. Palmieri, Sr. and Beatrice (Parthen) Palmieri. He was the beloved husband of the last 45 years to Andrea (Spires) Palmieri, he lived a life marked by dedication, humor, and a profound love for his family.

     Ralph’s professional career spanned several decades with the City of Cranston. He began his journey in the Parks Department and transitioned to animal control, where he showcased his commitment to public service. His dedication culminated in a distinguished career with the Cranston Police Department. Rising through the ranks, Ralph became a Detective and proudly retiring after 24 years as a Sergeant, leaving a legacy of integrity and respect in the force.   

     An alumnus of Cranston East High School, Ralph was a man of many interests. He possessed an uncanny sense of humor, known for his perfectly timed wit that brought joy and laughter to those around him. His humility endeared him to many, but it was time spent with his family that brought him the greatest joy. Ralph’s happiness radiated in the presence of his grandchildren, whom he adored.

     Ralph was also an avid music lover, with a particular fondness for classic rock. His playlists would often feature bands like Queen, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the timeless works of Frank Zappa, reflecting his eclectic taste and passion for music.

     Besides his beloved wife he is survived by his son, Ralph E. Palmieri, III and his wife Jacqueline; his daughter, Rhea Palmieri and her husband Jarred; and his cherished grandchildren, Mason Almond, Vienna Palmieri, Willow Almond, Delia Palmieri, Mila Meruvia-Rico, and Israel Meruvia-Rico. Additionally, he leaves behind his sister, Julie A. Iaciofano and her husband Joseph, sister-in-law, Debbie Culotta, and nieces Jamie, Jianna, and Jenna Iaciofano. Ralph also leaves a lasting bond with his cousins Raynia Hemmer, Marsha Crews and several extended cousins, nieces and nephews. 

     Burial will be in St. Ann Cemetery.

 
Filed Under: Uncategorized

Officer Vito Antonucci – Cranston Police

02/09/2026 by

Vito Antonucci

     Vito Antonucci, 80, formerly of Chepachet, passed away peacefully on February 4th, 2026, at the R.I. Veterans Home in Bristol with his loving family by his side.

     Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Vito “Vic” Antonucci and Mary (Burns) Antonucci.

     Vito grew up in Cranston, graduating from Cranston High School East in 1963. He worked for the former Arrow Transportation Co. before joining the U.S. Army, where he served as a decorated member of the Military Police Platoon of the 25th Infantry Division, proudly serving in the Vietnam war.

     Upon returning from Vietnam, he joined the Cranston Police Department, where he served as a Police Officer until his transition into the corporate world. He was employed as the Transportation / Operations Manager for the former Roger Williams Foods, Wetterau Inc., SuperValu Inc. and McLaughlin and Moran, Inc. He was the vehicle fleet manager for the City of Providence until his retirement in 2016.

     He leaves behind his beloved sons, Stephen Antonucci, Esq. and his wife, Michelle and Kevin Antonucci (Det. Sgt. CPD) and his wife, Rebecca. He was also the proud Papa of Kaitlyn, Stephen Jr., Ryan and Sydney Antonucci, and Jared and Brenna Anderson.

     He was the brother of John Antonucci, Marcia Perfetto, Patricia Iannelli, Joyce Lee, Corrine Alexander, and the late Carole Henry and Cynthia Antonucci. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who were very important to him.

Vito loved being with his family and friends, especially his grandkids. He enjoyed attending sporting events, cooking, and most of all entertaining at his house. Vito was known for his quick wit, his ability to tell a story and no one could hold a grudge like him. He also organized and participated in many charity events and was quick to help anyone in need. Vito was fiercely loyal to his many friends, and he was a huge supporter of law enforcement and the military.

    He’s buried in the RI Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, in Exeter. 

    Rest in Peace. 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

The 10-4, February, 2026

01/31/2026 by

To view the February, 2026 10-4 Newsletter, click below. 

Feb 2026 10-4 Newsletter

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Detective Jack Hilton, Jr. – Cranston Police

01/16/2026 by

Detective Jack Hilton, Jr.

Detective Jack Hilton, Jr.

     Detective Jack Hilton, Jr. (Badge 173), passed away on January 13, 2026, at the age of 83, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Linda (DiMascio) Hilton.

     Born in Central Falls, he was the son of the late Jack and Lorraine (Faucher) Hilton, Sr. Jack was a Cranston Police Detective for 25 years before retiring. He also worked 10 years for the Federal Marshal Service and was a US Navy veteran. Jack kayaked whenever he could, climbed Mount Washington with his sons, made memories horseback riding with his daughters at a Dude Ranch in upstate NY, learned to ski later in life on Mt. Killington thanks to his sister and her husband, and enjoyed Florida with his brother and wife. He enjoyed biking the Cape Cod Rail Trail, and together with Linda they traveled some of the world from Alaska and the Caribbean to several countries across Europe. He even rode a Camel in Marocco!

     Besides his wife he was the devoted father of Keith Hilton, Michael Hilton, Brenda Hilton and the late Lori Ann Hilton; loving grandfather of Caitlin, Andrew and Kennedy. He was the dear brother of James Hilton and the late Sandra Houle and Robert Hilton.

     Rest in peace our brother. 

Jack with fellow detectives – 1990s.

 

Filed Under: In Memoriam
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