Henry C. Giolitti

Henry C. Giolitti, 68, of Johnston passed away unexpectedly Tuesday August 5, 2025 at RI Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Donna Merola Giolitti for 42 years. Born in Providence he was the son of the late Henry C. Giolitti and Nancy (Bucacci) Giolitti.

Besides his devoted wife, he is survived by his loving children, daughter Lauren Giolitti Rieger, son Jonathan Giolitti and daughter in law Lillian Giolitti. He was the proud and adoring grandfather of 5, Isaac, Benjamin and Abigail Rieger & Giovanna and Antonio Giolitti and many nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly. 

Henry was the cherished brother of Susan A. Giolitti, Nancie A. Giolitti Sanita and the late Mark A. Giolitti and James H. Giolitti. He also leaves behind his in-laws, Terry Giolitti, William Sanita and Lori Facer, William and Deb Merola and Paul Merola. 

Henry was known for living larger than life. He will be sorely missed for his huge, generous, heart, laughter that could fill a room and sharing stories that never ended.   Henry loved to lend a hand any way he could to anyone who asked for his help. 

He might not have called himself one, but Henry was certainly a hobbyist.  He enjoyed fishing, baking and cooking, especially for family holidays and special occasions, learning to play the piano, and most recently he captured the art of sourdough bread making. Henry was known for giving his cooking and Mr. fix-it advice to many callers. He would happily drop everything at the chance to advise on the internal temperature of a roast. 

He carried on his mom’s tradition of passing out heaping platters of Christmas cookies to  family and friends.  He also continued his father’s trade of butchering deer every hunting season for many longtime customers. Henry was a proud member of the South County Rod and Gun Association, providing annual game dinners with his brother.  Even more important to Henry was his faith and Church community.  He was an active parishioner of St. Robert Bellarmine Church for over 30 years.  During that time he volunteered in a multitude of capacities including singing in the choir, putting on his best performance of several roles in the annual Passion Play, bellowing out each line with gusto,  as well as chef for the May breakfasts and macaroni and meatball dinners. He made many friends in the kitchen! He recently joined the Knights of Columbus in memory of his brother Mark. 

We are saddened to have to say goodbye too soon, but Henry left us with countless memories to last a lifetime.  

His funeral will be held Saturday, August 9, at 8:45 a.m. from “WOODLAWN” Funeral Home, 600 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St. Robert Bellarmine Church, Johnston. CALLING HOURS Friday 4-8 p.m. at “WOODLAWN” Funeral Home. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Robert Bellarmine Church Ministries.

Please share memories and condolences at www.WoodlawnRI.com

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