Cranston Police Department Retirees Association
The organization for retired members of the Cranston, RI Police Department
Town Sergeant John Kenyon
John Kenyon was first appointed as a police constable in 1871, and was elected Town Sergeant in 1873, which made him “chief” of the police constables. He served as Town Sergeant until 1880, and then continued to serve as a constable for another year.
He was born in 1832, and passed away in 1912. He’s buried in Pocassett Cemetery in Cranston.
Ptl. William J. Hines, Jr.
Appointed in 1935
No further information is known at this time.
Ptl. Terrence J. McKaig
Appointed in 1936
Major Robert W. Ryan
Robert W. “Bob, Doc, Bo-Ry” Ryan
October 5, 1962 ~ October 7, 2021 (age 59)Obituary
Robert W. Ryan, Cranston Police Department, Retired Major/Deputy Chief of Police, 59, of Cranston, Rhode Island, passed away October 7, 2021, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston after a long and courageous fight with cancer.
He was the son of the late Richard (Dick) Ryan, retired Cranston Fire Department, and Jane (Harry) Ryan. He is survived by his loving wife, Marianne McMahon, and his devoted daughter Lauren Nicole Ryan of Brooklyn, NY. Bob is also survived by his two brothers, Rick (Sharon) Ryan of Warwick and Rodney (Robyn) Ryan of Cranston, his nephew Richard Joseph (RJ) of Warwick, and his stepsons, Michael J. McMahon (Pawtucket Fire Department, wife Tina), and Matthew McMahon (Pawtucket Fire Department). He was the loving PopPop to Gianna McMahon and Joseph Testa.
At a young age, under the watchful eye of his Dad, Bob learned the electrical trade and continued to “make connections” for many friends and family members until the time of his death. Bob was a graduate of Providence College, Roger Williams University, and Salve Regina University. On July 8, 1988, Bob was sworn into the Cranston Police Department as a patrolman. A rough and tough street cop whose beat was the Arlington section of Cranston, he was known to be fair and dedicated to the profession. Over his twenty-six years of service, he was promoted through the ranks, attending many seminars and receiving commendations and awards. In May of 2014, Bob retired as Major/Deputy Chief of Police and Public Information Officer of the department.
His writing ability and vocabulary were second to none (you’re right, he didn’t write this obituary). His wife always said, “Bob is the most intelligent man I know”. One of his favorite pastimes was catching a game of Jeopardy with his daughter Lauren by his side. Marianne always excused herself because she was no competition for those two brainiacs.
He LOVED sports and enjoyed watching whatever sporting event he could find. Sundays in the Ryan household were always known as “a Sports Extravaganza”: sports all day with ice cold Coors and Bob’s famous calzone. He loved playing sports and never backed down from a competition, whether it was on the ball field or in the backyard playing cornhole and can jam.
His humor was quick and dry. Bob always had a story or two and was able to keep the laughter going, even in his final days. He will be greatly missed and will always be remembered as a courageous fighter. As his father would say, “you have a lot of ass Robert Wayne”.
Bob and his family would like to thank his primary care physician, Dr. Mark Rosenberg, the staff of Dana Farber and Brigham and Women’s Hospital for their excellent care. They extend a very special thank you to Dr. Glenn Hanna, Asst. Director of Dana Farber Head and Neck Oncology, PA Ronnie King, and Bob’s very special angel, Nurse Michelle Mullins. Their love, compassion, and dedication to their professions encouraged Bob to always have hope.
Bob is buried in St. Ann’s cemetery.
Rest peacefully Bob, you won all the battles!
Officer Walter L. Thurber passed away May 25, 2021. He was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on May 26, 1929 to the late Joseph and Alice Thurber. He was the last surviving sibling of four sisters and a twin brother. Having served in the Korean War and deployed in Germany, Walter was a proud Army Veteran. After his service in the military, Walter pursued a career as an officer for the Cranston Police Department. He was appointed a patrolman on August 2, 1954, and retired in 1984 after 30 years of service. Afterwards he became a security guard for G-Tech INC. before retiring for the final time at the age of 70. During his time as a patrolman and working the Edgewood area, Walter met his lovely wife, Elise. She was a nurse at Cranston General Hospital at the time. They wed on November 8, 1959 and began their family only a couple of years later. Walter and Elise welcomed their first child, Paul in 1961 and three years later welcomed their second child, Monique in 1964. During this time, they purchased their lifelong home in Cranston where the couple raised their children and later spent time with their grandchildren. Walter had four grandchildren, Bryan Houle, Justin Thurber, Andrew Thurber, and Madison Houle, who absolutely adored him. Walter leaves behind his wife Elise, his 2 children, son in-law Robert, and four grandchildren, as well as three nephews and two nieces.
Walter is buried at the R.I. Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter. Rest in peace our brother.
Detective David A. Palazzolo
Detective David A. Palazzolo, 71, passed away on Monday, May 17, 2021, in Lakeland, FL. He was the beloved husband of Kathleen Palazzolo. Born in Providence, R.I., he was a son of the late Amadeo and Angelina (Annaldo) Palazzolo. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
David served the citizens of Cranston for 23 years before retiring in 1995.
In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by his children, David, Tracy, and Heather, his three grandchildren; his sisters: Susan Tangaro of Rehoboth, MA., and Shirley Short of Moultonborough, N.H., and numerous nieces and nephews including Lori, his shining star, heart, and confidant.
He’s buried in St. Ann’s Cemetery.
Rest in peace our brother.
Officer Bertil H. Jentzel was appointed to the Cranston Police Department as a special officer in October of 1925, and appointed to the regular force on March 20, 1926. In 1929 he was assigned as a motorcycle officer to patrol the Arlington and Oaklawn areas of the city. He resigned from the department in August of 1929 to take another job in Toronto, Canada. On his last night on duty his co-workers presented him with a watch and wished him good luck.
Officer Wilfred Gagnon, Jr. was appointed to the CPD in September of 1952. Photo taken 1954. No further information at this time.
Photo taken 1954. No further information at this time.
