Chief Walter C. Passano, Ret. SFD, 79, of Deerfield Drive, Greenville, died Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at Fatima Hospital in North Providence. He was the husband of the late Elaine R. (Gross) Passano who died in September, 2017.
Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Charles F. and Irene (Picard) Passano. He had lived in Glocester before moving to Smithfield in 1976.
Walter was appointed Chief of the Smithfield Fire Department after rising through the ranks; beginning his career as a volunteer at the Georgiaville station.
He enjoyed camping in Lake George and snowmobiling with his wife, Elaine. He held his private pilot license and could often be seen flying his own plane from North Central Airport.
He is survived by his brother in law, Russell Gross and his wife, Jessie of Harmony and nieces and nephews.
His Funeral Service will be held Friday at 11am in the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Rt 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. Visitation Friday morning from 9:30-10:45am. Burial with military honors will be in Acote’s Hill Cemetery, Chepachet.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Smithfield Fire and Rescue, 607 Putnam Pike, Greenville, RI 02828.