Det. Joe Fortuna
Appointed Feb. 26, 1951

     With deep sadness, the CPDRA announces the death of its member Joseph V. Fortuna, 77, of Park Forest Road in Cranston. He was the husband of Jeanette (DiLibero) Fortuna. Born in Providence, a son of the late Harry and Elizabeth Fortuna, Joe had resided in Cranston for the past 50 years. He was employed as a police officer for the Cranston Police Department, retiring as a detective after 35 years of service. After retiring, he was employed by the city as a truant officer for 15 years. Besides his wife he leaves a son, Edward Fortuna of Cranston. He was the father of the late Joseph V. Fortuna Jr., and brother of the late Rose Chadronet, Jennie Fontaine and Al Fortuna.  Rest in Peace.

Sgt. Harry Sunderland
Appointed Mar. 24, 1952

     CPDRA member Harry F. Sunderland, 78, of Phenix Avenue, Cranston, died on Sunday, June 1, 2003, at Miriam Hospital. The retired Cranston police sergeant was the husband of Marie (Renzi) Sunderland. They had been married for 51 years. Born in Providence, a son of the late George and Janet (Wheatly) Sunderland, Harry was a Cranston resident for most of his life. He had served in the Cranston Police Department as a court officer, a firearms and self-defense instructor, a member of the underwater recovery team, and a member of the BCI unit.  He was promoted to sergeant on August 28, 1961.  He retired as a sergeant after 31 years with the force. Harry also was a physical education instructor for the state Training School in Cranston for 28 years. In June 1987, the Cranston Police Training and Crime Prevention Center was dedicated in honor of Harry and his former colleague William Loux, as a tribute from the City of Cranston to the retired police sergeants’ years of effort in developing programs for training and crime prevention. Both men were awarded honorary keys to the city. An Army veteran of World War II, Harry served as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. He had been a troop leader for Boy Scout Troop 6.Besides his wife, Harry leaves a daughter, Angela Ruscito, and a grandson, Andrew J. Ruscito, both of Cranston. He was the brother of the late Albert Sunderland.  Rest in Peace.

Detective George F. Holt
Appointed Feb. 5, 1953

     CPDRA member George G. Holt died Thursday, September 18, 2003 at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence. George had just attended the CPDRA meeting on Wednesday night, September 17, and socialized with many of our members during the evening. It was a shock to learn that he had passed away at 6:00am the next morning. George joined the Cranston Police Department on December 5, 1953 and retired on May 30, 1973. He worked in the patrol division, as well as the detective division. He leaves his wife Eileen, a son William, and a daughter Judith A. Sullivan, as well as a sister Queenie Carr, a brother Alan and eight grand children.  Rest in Peace.

Officer Arthur Rotondo

     It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Patrolman Arthur Rotondo.  Arthur passed away on November 4, 2003 while hospitalized in Venice, Florida.Arthur was born on December 22, 1934, and joined the Cranston Police Department on December 17, 1956.  He retired on January 6, 1979.  Arthur leaves a daughter, Rosemary Rotondo, also of Venice, Florida.  Rest in Peace.

Patrick F. McHugh
Appointed Oct. 15, 1947

     It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Sgt. Patrick (Pat) Francis McHugh on Sunday January 19, 2004 at the R.I. Veterans Hospital. Pat was born on May 24, 1919 and he joined the Cranston Police Department on October 15, 1947.  After serving 25 years on the department, he retired on October 15, 1972.He leaves his wife Gloria, a son Patrick F. McHugh Jr., and two daughters, Maureen H. McHugh and Laurie M. Mercier, all of Cranston, RI, a brother Daniel T. McHugh of Williamsburg, Va, a sister, Catherine Hampson of Cumberland and four grandchildren. Pat was a regular attendee at our CPDRA meetings and functions.  He will be greatly missed.