Gloria E. (DiRaffaele) Muro

Gloria E. (DiRaffaele) Muro, age 96 of Cranston, entered into eternal rest on April 30, 2023. She was the beloved and devoted wife of the late Thomas P. Muro, to whom she was married for 58 years. Born in Pawtucket, she was the daughter of the late Salvatore and Amelia DiRaffaele of Cranston. One of six siblings, she was the sister of the late Rose DeResta, the late Elena Colardo, the late Gaetano DiRaffaele, Armando DiRaffaele of Johnston, RI and John DiRaffaele of St. Augustine, Florida. Gloria spent most of her married life having only one goal: caring for her family. That was her passion, and she excelled at it each and every day. She is survived by two sons, Thomas, of Cranston, and David, who lives in Norwich, CT, as well as several loving nieces and nephews. This final letter to Gloria from her sons will illustrate who she was:

My Dearest Mom,

Today is the second-saddest day of my life. When dad passed away 11 years ago, that was the first-saddest. And not because I loved him more… but just because his passing happened before yours. It is with a very heavy heart that I say good-bye to you. I never thought this day would hurt so much… but it does. As I think back on all the years we did have together, I am so very thankful for each and every minute. My childhood memories are far too numerous to mention here, but one that always stands out is how on any rainy day, you would walk both of us from home to our neighborhood elementary school, holding an umbrella over us the entire way. You were the most wonderful and caring mother any child could ever hope to have. You gave all of yourself to your family on a daily basis, and always put our needs before yours. There was no bigger fan of the holidays than you, and Christmas was, of course, your favorite. But not because you enjoyed the presents you would receive… what made you happiest was seeing the joy on the faces of your family as we opened our presents. I have tried every day to follow your role model and live up to your expectations, and my one wish is that I didn’t disappoint you too many times. And for the times that I did disappoint… I can only say I’m so sorry… it was never intentional. You will never know how much I love you, nor how much you will be missed… but I promise to carry you with me in my heart each and every day of my life. I’ve saved your spot there, right next to dad… and no one will ever take either place. I’m counting the days until we’re all together again as a family. We’re sending all our love forever.

Your loving sons…

Her funeral will begin Tuesday, May 9, at 8:30am from the “WOODLAWN” Funeral Home, 600 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in St. Rocco Church, 927 Atwood Ave, Johnston, RI. Burial will follow at St. Ann Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday 4:00 - 8:00 PM in the funeral home. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.

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