Ernestine Martin

Martin, Ernestine (Rapoza), 88, died Saturday, April 15, 2017 at the Greenville Health Center. She was the wife of Thomas J. Martin, Jr. to whom she was married for 61 years. Born in East Providence, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Olive (Arruda) Rapoza.

Ernestine was a personnel clerk for the Johnston School Department for 21 years, retiring in 1991. She was a graduate of East Providence High School, a member of the Manton Seniors and its bowling league, and the St. Thomas Bowling League. She was a communicant of St. Thomas Church since 1955.

Besides her husband she leaves four sons, Thomas J. Martin, III and his wife Sara of North Providence, Kevin M. Martin of Easthampton, MA, Glen P. Martin and his wife Susan of Cumberland, Patrick A. Martin and his wife Anna of Bristol, and two daughters, Kathleen E. Checrallah and her husband David of West Warwick, and Colleen A. Piccirillo and her husband Ugo of Foster. She also leaves thirteen grandchildren, Lindsey, Gregory, Michael, Nicholas, Tara, Julia, Sean, Joshua, and Alana Martin, Matthew and Daniel Checrallah, Alexis and Jesse Piccirillo. She was the sister of the late Helen Filippo and Joseph Rapoza.

Ernestine’s funeral will be held Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 9 AM from the Robbins Funeral Home, 2251 Mineral Spring Ave., North Providence, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM in St. Thomas Church, 65 Fruit Hill Avenue, Providence. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Park in Johnston. Calling hours are Friday 4-7 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014. Or by calling 1-800-708-7644. Or by visiting Ernestine Martin’s Tribute Page at: https://www.michaeljfox.org/tribute/tribute-page.php?id=20225