Barbara J. Pezza

Barbara J. Pezza (Rico), 87, of Prudence Island, died on December 7, 2024 at Miriam Hospital.  She was the loving wife of the late Vincent L. Pezza, who passed away on October 18th, for 68 years.  Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Mary (Falcone) Rico.

Barbara was the devoted mother of Vincent L. Pezza, Jr. and his wife, Denise, and Cheryl Maynard and her husband, Peter, the grandmother of Jessica Hernandez and her husband, Carl, and Elizabeth Reed, and great-grandmother of Roman and Cameron Hernandez. She was the sister of the late Nicholas Rico.

Barbara was a beloved resident of Prudence Island for over 30 years, where she attended Mass weekly as a faithful follower of God.  It is also where she had great memories of time spent with family and friends, quahogging in the summer, picking sea glass at the beach, and growing a beautiful garden, as well as teaching her granddaughters to drive.  She also loved to cook and feed everyone with her delicious meals and enjoyed spending her last year on earth with her great-grandchildren, showing her friends on the island their pictures.  

Anyone who knew Barbara knew what a loving, caring, and selfless woman she was.  She solely cared about the happiness of others before her own and was her family's biggest supporter and cheerleader, convincing them that they could get through anything.  Her selflessness was reflected in her years of volunteering at different organizations, especially as a volunteer Prudence Island Firefighter.  She was always willing to lend a helping hand and thought the best of every person, regardless of their background.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 9:00-10:30 am in the Robbins Funeral Home, 2251 Mineral Spring Ave., North Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am in St. Thomas Church, 65 Fruit Hill Ave., Providence.  Burial will be in Highland Memorial Park, Johnston.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

Barbara was a true angel on Earth and she will be greatly missed by so many lives that she touched.