Det. Joe Mignano
Badge 162

     October 29, 2008 – It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Officer Joseph A. Mignano of Beacon Drive, North Kingstown, RI. who passed away on October 27, 2008 at Kent Memorial Hospital. A 1963 graduate of Cranston High East who attended Providence College, Roger Williams College, and U.R.I., he was sworn into the Cranston Police Department on July 21, 1969.  During his 30 years of dedicated service some of his duties included assignment to the Tactical Unit working undercover assignments in Drug and Organized Crime investigations, a special liaison to the R.I. Attorney General’s office to assist in prosecuting felony cases, and the armorer and firearms instructor for the department. Over the years, he received numerous commendations and citations including but not limited to the Medal of Valor for his actions during a shootout in Cranston and was also recognized by The Federal Law Enforcement Officer’s Association. Also active in the community, Joe’s community activities included coaching C.L.C.F. youth football and youth basketball, Cranston Western Little League Baseball, and was president of the league, and Cranston Babe Ruth for many years.  He was also responsible in organizing the Babe Ruth World Series in Cranston. Besides his wife Diane (Nabb) and parents, he is survived by his loving children; Joseph A. Mignao Jr. of North Kingstown, Michaela E. Mignano and her fiance Chad Thomas of Tiverton, and Christopher Mignano of PA.  He was the devoted grandfather of Isabel and Sienna Mignano and cousin of Fred Palmieri, Joe Palmieri, and Linda Pinsoneault. Joe’s kind act of generosity, friendship and his keen sense of humor will be sadly missed by all his family, friends, and CPD family.  Rest in Peace our Brother.

Detective Gary Roy
Appointed Jan. 10, 1972

     November 17, 2008 – It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Detective Gary Roy, 61, who passed away peacefully at his home in Sebastian, Florida. He was born in Providence, in 1947, to Wilfred and Ida Roy.  He is survived by his wife Laurie, his daughter, Michelle, and a grand-daughter.  Rest in peace our brother.    

Captain James H. Gibbs
Appointed Sept. 8, 1965

     November 19, 2008 – We sadly announce the passing of Captain James H. Gibbs, 66, the son of former Cranston police chief J. Howard Gibbs.  He was appointed to the CPD in September of 1965, and promoted to sergeant in 1976, and to lieutenant in March of 1982.  He retired at the rank of Captain in 1987.  He held a Bachelors of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Bryant College.

     After his retirement in 1987 he worked for the Registry of Motor Vehicles, and for the Department of Labor and Training.  He’s buried at St. Ann’s Cemetery in Cranston.  Rest in peace our brother.  

Detective Paul Rousseau

     November 29, 2008 – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Detective Paul L. Rousseau, Jr., 44, of Cape Coral, Florida.  During his career Paul served in the Patrol Division, and the Traffic Division, where he rendered his expertise as an Accident Reconstructionist.  He later served in the Detective Division. He was born in Providence, the son of Paul L. Rousseau, Sr., and Judy M. (Studley) Rousseau.   He’s buried in St. Ann’s Cemetery.  Rest in peace our brother.  

Patrolman Dan Cipalone – c. 1955

     November 30, 2008 – It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Detective Daniel P. Cipalone, 85.  Born in Johnston, R.I. in 1926, he was the son of Giovanni and Beatrice (Coia) Cipalone.  Dan served in the navy during WWII.  He was appointed to the Cranston Police Department on August 2, 1954, and served for 30 years before retiring on September 21, 1984.  Dan also served as a Federal Marshal, and as the Treasurer of the Cranston Police Retirees Association.  His son Glen is also a Cranston police officer. Rest in peace our brother.