Mr. Anio Anthony Joseph “Tony” Granata, 94, passed away on October 13th, 2019 at the Hebert Nursing Home in Smithfield, RI surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of the late Lucia “Lucy” (Paolantonio) Granata. They had been married for forty-four years when she passed.
He was born in Sharon, Massachusetts, a son of the late Louis and Catherine (Cerqua) Granata. Anio resided in East Providence, RI, Providence, RI, Glocester, RI and North Kingstown, RI. Anio left civilian life at the age of seventeen to join the United States Navy and proudly served his country during World War II in the Pacific Theater. Upon his honorable discharge from military service at the end of the war he returned to civilian life and pursued different careers.
He was the Founder and President of the Grand Transportation trucking company on Canal Street in Providence, RI, providing freight transportation services for various national trucking companies that were outside the State of RI. He also started a company named after his two oldest children and named it E and M Transfer where his wife Lucy was President and he was the manager. This company loaded and unloaded railroad freight cars and truck trailers for distribution around the country.
Anio was a 4th Degree Knight in the William J. Adams Assembly of the Knights of Columbus. He was a past Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus, J.A. Finnegan Council 111. He did many charitable works through the Knights, notably the installation of the first one-way mirrors at the former Potter Children’s Hospital in Providence, RI. Anio was on the Board of Trustees for Saint Eugene’s Parish in Chepachet, RI. He was president of the Holy Name Society at St. Thomas Church in Providence, RI, where he was also an auditor. Anio was a member of the Smithfield Elks. He was also a merit badge counselor and committee member for the Boy Scouts of America for both Troop 44 and Troop 9.
As a young adult he purchased all the guardian angel pins he could “get his hands on” and distributed them to various people. It was with great joy that he continued this tradition for over seventy years with the feeling that it would do the recipients some good. His family will lovingly continue with this tradition.
As we reflect on our father, we won’t forget the great fun we had playing cards and games together. We will also remember his motto, “The family that prays together, stays together”. He instilled in us a love for praying the rosary. He encouraged all to keep the faith.
The Granata Family would like to thank the staff and residents of Hebert Nursing Home and Beacon Hospice of RI for their care, compassion and
friendship. His loving spirit was felt by all those he encountered. Anio will be dearly missed.
Anio was predeceased by his first born, William, who died at birth. He leaves behind three daughters, Elaine Koval of Smithfield, Marion Carnevale and her husband Thomas of Smithfield, Annette Schofield and her husband Peter of Glocester, and two sons Anthony Granata and his wife Darlene of Burrillville, RI, and Ronald Granata of Cranston, R.I. He is also survived by ten beloved and beautiful grandchildren, Jason, Jamie, Anthony, Tiffany, Thomas, Anna, David, Joseph, Lauren and Catherine. Anio is also the great grandfather of six adorable great grandchildren. He was the father-in-law of the late David Koval and Lynda (Owen) Granata. He was the brother of the late Guido Risio and his wife Alice of Seekonk, MA and William Granata and his wife Georgiana of East Providence, RI. He leaves behind his beloved companion, Columbine “Cully” Campagnone, of Cranston, R.I. with whom he traveled with extensively.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:00 AM on Saturday, October 19, 2019 in St. Eugene’s Church, 1251 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, RI. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence, RI. Visitation will be Friday, October 18th from 4-7pm in the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Greenville Common, Greenville, RI. In lieu of flowers, Dad wished any donations to be made to the charity of your choice.