November 29, 2008 – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Detective Paul L. Rousseau, Jr., 44, of Cape Coral, Florida. During his career Paul served in the Patrol Division, and the Traffic Division, where he rendered his expertise as an Accident Reconstructionist. He later served in the Detective Division. He was born in Providence, the son of Paul L. Rousseau, Sr., and Judy M. (Studley) Rousseau. He’s buried in St. Ann’s Cemetery. Rest in peace our brother.
Detective Daniel P. Cipalone – Cranston Police
November 30, 2008 – It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Detective Daniel P. Cipalone, 85. Born in Johnston, R.I. in 1926, he was the son of Giovanni and Beatrice (Coia) Cipalone. Dan served in the navy during WWII. He was appointed to the Cranston Police Department on August 2, 1954, and served for 30 years before retiring on September 21, 1984. Dan also served as a Federal Marshal, and as the Treasurer of the Cranston Police Retirees Association. His son Glen is also a Cranston police officer. Rest in peace our brother.
Chief George J. Coffey – Cranston Police
February 28, 2009 – It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Chief George J. Coffey of Norwood Ave., Cranston who passed away with his family at his side. Chief Coffey was a graduate of Cranston High School and appointed as a Cranston Police Constable on January 1, 1943. The following year, officer Coffey was appointed as a permanent officer and his first assignment was walking a beat in the Edgewood area. He was then moved to the Motorcycle Squad in 1949, then up the ladder to Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, (Capt. on Aug. 28, 1961.), and appointed Chief of Police in 1968. Upon his retirement in 1977 after 34 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Cranston, Chief Coffey joined the RI Capital Police in 1982 and retired on August 31, 2001.Also active in the community, Chief Coffey was a former Vice-President of the New England Chiefs of Police, a member of the Cranston Fraternal Order of Police, the Cranston Police Department’s Retiree Association, Cranston Rotary, Knights of Columbus, St. Paul’s Council No.2385 and was a communicant at St. Paul’s Church since Boyhood. Born in Providence to the late James J. and Sarah (Slavin) Coffey, he is survived by his loving wife Sophie (Mojkowski) of 58 years and his children Dennis, Judy, Brian, Kevin, and Deborah.
Rest in peace Chief. You will never be forgotten.
Detective William T. White, Jr. – Cranston Police
July 2, 2009 – It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Detective William T. White, Jr., 78, who passed away in Miriam Hospital. He was born in Providence on June 6, 1931, and was hired by the police department on March 3, 1954. After serving for 30 years, he retired on Sept. 3, 1982, and went to work for the R. I. Family Court system as Supervisor of Clerks. He was a 1974 graduate of Salve Regina University in Newport. Rest in peace our brother.
Officer Richard W. Norberg – Cranston Police
August 22, 2009 – It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Officer Richard (Rick) W. Norberg. He was born in Providence, Oct. 8, 1946, the son of E. Theodore and Shirley (Doane) Norberg. He was a 1980 graduate of Salve Regina University in Newport, with a BA in Criminal Justice. After his retirement in 1987 he worked for Pepsi Cola for fifteen years before passing. He is survived by his wife Cynthia, and his three sons, Richard, Ryan, and Mathew. Rest in Peace our brother.