Louis Sisto Gautieri, Jr., 98, of Rosemont Ave, a retired business owner and proud WWII disabled veteran, died Wednesday, March 12th, 2025, at Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, surrounded by his loving family.
He was the husband of the late Lucy T. (Cesario) Gautieri, married for 47 years. Born in Providence, a son of the late Louis S. and Helen F. (Defusco) Gautieri, he had lived in Johnston for 61 years.
During WWII, Mr. Gautieri served with distinction in the Pacific from 1944-1946 as a Seaman First Class with the 144th Seabees ABCD Navy Battalion in Guam. He received a number of awards, including the World War II Victory Medal; the American Campaign Medal; the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze star appurtenance; the Combat Action Ribbon; the Discharge Button; and the Honorable Service Lapel Pin, in recognition of his dedicated and loyal Navy service. He also received an honorary high school diploma from Mount Pleasant High School in 2003 in recognition of his sacrifices.
Mr. Gautieri had been the President and Founder of National Lumber & Building Materials Co., Providence, for 56 years, alongside his late brother, Domenic Sisto Gautieri. He built houses in his youth with his father, brother, and uncles in Cape Cod and was a successful lumber salesman and business owner. He was an avid reader, having completed hundred of books, and enjoyed many summers with his wife exploring Newport, Potter’s cove, and Block Island on his boat. He succeeded in his goal of navigating the U.S. eastern coast from Miami to New York on his boat with his wife in 1986.
Besides his wife, he leaves a daughter, Janet L. Gautieri of Waltham, MA; a late son, Joseph R. Gautieri of Olney, MD; and four grandchildren, Dvora Gautieri of New York City, NY; John Vrahliotis of Waltham, MA; Sara (Ari) Gautieri Benjamin of Medford, MA; and Judah Gautieri of Olney, MD. He was the father-in-law of Rebecca Gautieri of Olney, MD. He was the brother of the late Dominic S. Gautieri, Helen Ottaviano, and Constance F. Rapa.
His funeral service will be held Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 11am in the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Rt 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Ann’s Cemetery, Cranston. Visitation will be Monday March 17, 2025 from 4-6pm.