John Edward Del Selva, 88, died Thursday, March 26, 2020, at Fatima Hospital, North Providence, with his sister Arlene D'Arezzo by his side.
Mr. Del Selva took pride in his family and loved them dearly. He leaves his beloved wife of nearly 67 years, Doreen (Cambio) Del Selva; his sons John Del Selva II and Steven Del Selva, both of North Scituate, and Richard Del Selva, of Wareham, Massachusetts; his daughter, Lorrene Raynoha, of Las Vegas, Nevada; his grandson, Cody Raynoha, of Las Vegas, Nevada; his granddaughter Cassondra Del Selva of Stuart, Florida; his grandson Michael Del Selva, of Miami, Florida; his grandson Evan Del Selva of Coventry: and three great-grandchildren: Paisley Marks, Coltenn Giguere, and Benedict Raynoha. In addition, Mr. Del Selva was very close to his brother-in-law, Ronald Cambio, his niece and goddaughter, Darlene D’Arezzo, his nephew, Arthur D’Arezzo, and former daughter-in-law, Lorraine Adam.
Born and raised in Providence, the son of the late John and Priscilla (Doherty) Del Selva. Mr. Del Selva graduated from the University of RI and served as a Sergeant in the Army during the Korean War. He worked for over thirty years with the New Haven & Hartford Railroad as a Railroad Perishable Inspector.
Worshipful Br. John Del Selva belonged to several Masonic Organizations. His Mother Lodge is Overseas Lodge No.40 F.&A.M. He was a Past Master of the former Hamilton Lodge No.15 in 1970, which merged with Manchester Lodge No.12 in 2005. Mr. Del Selva was a 50 Year Service Medal recipient from the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island. Mr. Del Selva was a member of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Providence and a member of the Rhode Island Shrine, AAONMS. Mr. Del Selva devoted much time to his church, Trinity Episcopal Church. He served on the Vestry and as Assistant Treasurer and was a member of the Building Committee. He served Communion and also prepared and served fund-raising dinners there for some thirty years, enlisting his mother and his goddaughter to make ravioli. He was a loyal Red Sox and New England Patriots fan. He enjoyed home-improvement projects, gardening, and golf. Mr. Del Selva had a kind, huge heart, and helped others in-need as often as he could. He will be dearly missed by family and friends and all those that came to know him.
Private funeral services were held. A memorial service will be held at a later date.