David M. Powers, Sr. of Greenville, RI passed away at the age of 84 on December 11th 2024. Born in Providence, RI, he was the son of the late Walter J. Powers and Mary Gladys Powers (Darby). He was the beloved husband of the late Carole A. Powers (Mackisey) who was the love of his life. He was the loving father of Lisa Rancic of West Palm Beach, FL and David M. Powers, Jr. and his wife Jody (Caito) of Greenville, RI. He was the grandfather of Haley Powers, Erin Powers and Matthew Rancic. He was the brother of Robert W. Powers and the late Walter J. Powers, Raymond L. Powers, and James F. Powers. He cherished his grandchildren more than anything.
David was a former field engineer for the NCR Corporation for 16 years before joining State Service where he was a fraud investigator for the Department of Labor and Training for 31 years. He was a proud Veteran of the United States Army (43rd Field Artillery Division) for 17 years, retiring as a Sergeant 1st Class, serving in both the active service and reserves. In his reserve assignment he served at Camp Varnum in the education unit working with young people to get their GED, something he took immense pride in. David was a proud graduate of North Providence High School class of 1958, just recently attending his 66th year reunion. He also held a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Technology from Rhode Island College and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College. David was the former President and coach for many years in the Smithfield Girls Softball League where he enjoyed working with young people, leading many championship teams. He led the Heart Fund on numerous charity drives for many years and was a frequent contributor to Special Olympics and other charitable causes. He also served on various boards and commissions in Smithfield.
David enjoyed good food, good music, the theater and travelling, with a special place in his heart for Ireland. He loved his hometown in Smithfield, RI just as much. There were few places he could go without seeing a friendly face. David also loved the tranquility of the sea, often reminding him of his youth as a surf lifeguard at Scarborough State beach where his family lived in the summers. He loved reading and never stopped learning new things and sharing them with his family. Most of all, David enjoyed the simple pleasures in life such as family events, Bruins games, football Sunday at his son’s house and having breakfast with his grandchildren.
His funeral will be held Thursday December 19th at 9am from the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Route 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am in St. Philip Church, 622 Putnam Pike, Greenville. Burial with Military Honors will be held in the RI Veterans Cemetery, Exeter, RI. Visitation Wednesday December 18th from 4-7pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Providence VA Medical Center, 830 Chalkstone Avenue, Providence, RI 02908