Eugene Amaral

Eugene Amaral formally of East Providence, and currently residing in West Greenwich for the past 20 years, died peacefully at Hope Health Hospice Center on January 18, 2023. He was born on June 5, 1934 in East Providence, RI to Anthony and Anna (Mattos) Amaral. He was preceded by his beloved wife of 15 years, Gail Smith Amaral, and brother Walter. He was previously married to Barbara Berkiel. Gene graduated from St. Raphael Academy and received a track scholarship to attend Providence College, where he graduated in 1956. He proudly served in the US Army and Air Force Reserves.

Gene had a distinguished career in business. He served as the Director for Procurement for MCI and was part of the team that submitted and received approval for the first cellular license issued by the FCC. He also worked as the Purchasing Agent for Gilbane Building Company.

Gene believed in giving back to his community and was an original member of the East Providence Housing Authority, where he served as Chairman: his was an active member of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree, the Men of St. Joseph, and served as a Communicate at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church in Exeter. He volunteered in the prison ministry program at the ACI. Gene also enjoyed golf, fishing, water color painting, and woodworking. He served as President of the Ocean Wood Turners.

Gene was the beloved father of Thomas A. Amaral (Jo-Anne Boushell), Paul J. Amaral, Leslie J.
Parente (Richard Parente) and Gregory M. Amaral. He was blessed to be the grandfather of Danielle Fontaine, Chelsea Dreyer, along with Jessica Amaral, Alexandria Amaral, Jillian Amaral, Aaron Amaral and Grace and Jay Parente. He was the great grandfather of Shay Fontaine.

His Funeral will be held on Wednesday January 25, 2023 from the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside at 8 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 84 Exeter Road, Exeter at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 550 Wampanoag Trail, East Providence. Calling hours are Tuesday 5-7 p.m. Flowers are respectfully omitted. Contributions in Gene’s memory to South County Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 68, Shannock, RI 02875 would be deeply appreciated.