Captain Edward Ryan

     October 3, 2014 – It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Captain Edward J. Ryan on September 30, 2014. He was the husband of the late Elizabeth A. (McCarthy) Ryan. Born in Providence, a son of the late John F. Ryan (former Chief, East Greenwich Police Depart.), and Florence (Valentine) Ryan, he was a life-long Cranston resident and a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II. Ed joined the force in 1951 and retired in 1984 after proudly serving 33 years on the department while retiring with the rank of Captain. From 1984 – 1994 he was employed as Child Protective Investigator for the RI Department of Children, Youth and Families. Capt. Ryan was also a member of the IBPO, the Commissioned Police Officers of RI, the Cranston Police Department Retiree Association, and the American Federation of State, County, & Municipal Employees. Captain Ryan is survived by his son, Kevin M. Ryan Esq. and his wife Colleen; a granddaughter, Maureen Q. Ryan; and a brother, John F. Ryan.  We’ll miss you at our breakfasts – Rest in Peace.

Sgt. Ed Ryan
May 16, 1966

     February 2, 2015 – It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Officer Herbert C. Mitchell Jr. on January 30, 2015. Mitch was born on September 19, 1928 in New Shoreham, Rhode Island and moved to North Carolina after retiring from the department. Condolences may be sent to his wife June at junemitchell09@hotmail.com.  

     Rest in Peace Our Brother.

Ptl, Franklin L. Knowles

     March 19, 2015 –  It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Officer Franklin L. “Leo” Knowles on March 17, 2015 at South Kingstown Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, West Kingstown.  He was the beloved husband of sixty-eight years to Phyllis (Palumbo) Knowles.  Leo was born in Teachey, North Carolina, to the late John and Myra (Benton) Knowles, and was a U.S. Navy veteran who served during World War II.  In 1954 he joined the department and retired after proudly serving twenty years in 1974.  Besides his wife Phyllis, he is survived by his loving daughter Elaine Weygand and her husband Charles.  Leo was also the father of the late John W. Knowles, and was the father-in-law of Carla Knowles.  Rest in Peace Our Brother.

Det. Salvatore DeCesere

     December 15, 2015 –  It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Detective Salvatore L. DeCesare on December 11, 2015.  Salvatore was born in Cranston to the late Salvatore F. and Julianna (Tokaz) DeCesare December 13, 1932.  He was a member of the 7th Cavalary during the Korean War in Hokkaido, Japan where he held the rank of Corporal.  In 1961 he joined the department and eventually became a Detective where he received training in polytesting narcotics screening, explosives, and drug enforement training.  Salvatore also received an Associate’s Degree in Law Enforcement from Bryant College and numerous letters of accommodation prior to his retirement on  December 13, 1990.  Besides his beloved wife Helen (Grossi) DCesare of 59 years, he is survived by his loving daughters, Robyn Procaccini and her husband Charles and Kelly A. Albright; granddaughters Julianna and Maria Procaccini.  

     Rest in Peace Our Brother.

Det. Eugene Hacket

     December 23, 2015 – It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Detective Eugene F. Hackett on December 21, 2015 while surrounded by his family, including his loving and devoted wife Nancy Hsckett who care for him during his long illness.  Gene was the son of the late Eugene and Mary (Moan) Hackett.  He graduated from Bishop Hendricken High School and Bryant College and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War.  After proudly serving more than 30 years on the department, Gene went on to work for the CCRI Campus Police for another 13 years.  He also served as President of the Police Officers Emerald Society and was a member of the West Warwick Elks and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.  He is survived by by children Karen Bennett, Christine Hackett Dietzel, Kathleen Young, William O’Donnell and Jill O’Donnell as well as his beloved friend Michelle McDoanld and his seven beautiful grandchildren whom he loved dearly.  

     Rest in Peace Our Brother.

Det. Eugene Hackett -1980s
Served 1966-1996