James Carey Pine

James Carey Pine, 83, of Cranston, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, July 26, 2023. He was the beloved husband of Margaret (Platt) Pine.

Born April 1, 1940, in Gloucester, MA, he was the son of the late Wilson Carey Pine and Mary Selena (Keefe) Pine, and the brother of the late Michael Pine.

In addition to his wife of 56 years he leaves twin daughters, Sharon Pine and Michelle (John) Lemme; his sons, James A. (Vanessa) Pine and Stephen M. (Molly) Pine; and his eight grandchildren; John, Skye, Katie, Carter, Rachael, Benjamin, Russell, and Hudson.

Dad loved being on the road–driving daily to Cape Cod and the islands, and counted many of his clients and business partners as friends. He also frequented every bakery and ice cream shop between Cranston and the Cape and knew the staff in all of them. His ability to form strong connections–whether with a barista, a CEO, or the captain of the ferry–meant that he had friends and well-wishers wherever he went.

His career extended into his hobbies. Dad built everything from decks to doll houses, all strong enough–and sometimes large enough–to land a plane on. He spent hours helping his children improve their homes, helping his grandkids build school projects, and helping Mom with so many decorative crafts that still grace the homes of friends and family. 

He was a voracious reader and could speak wisely of politics, science, history, and business. 

He loved collecting stamps, beer cans, and old toys, and he loved keeping everything carefully organized and labeled so his curious grandkids could give him something to grumble about. His taste in music ranged from Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles to Cajun, zydeco, and qawwali. In true Massachusetts fashion his taste in sports teams extended no farther than from the Red Sox to the Patriots.

To his grandchildren he was Poppa, always ready with a joke or a cookie or some candy when their parents weren't looking. Even when he tried to intimidate them they saw right through his bluster and into his warm heart. He was a bear of a man who wasn't too proud to let Rachael's Snapchat filters turn him into a cartoon bear-man.

He was funny, passionate, kind, silly, and fascinating. He served during the Cuban missile crisis, met President Kennedy, survived multiple plane crashes, dabbled in several foreign languages, and could make a mean pasta sauce. Above all he was dedicated to his family and to all of his friends who he treated like family. He will be missed, but his strength and his love will carry on. 

His legacy is his close-knit family. He taught us that we will always be one, to always stand together, and to always treat each other and everyone we meet with respect and kindness.

The family would like to thank Hope Alzheimer's Center and Cra-Mar Meadows nursing home. The dedicated workers of both organizations provided Dad and our whole family with so much support and care, and we are endlessly grateful.

Visitation will take place Wednesday, August 2, from 4pm until 7pm in the Woodlawn Funeral Home, 600 Pontiac Ave., Cranston. A memorial service will be held Thursday, August 3 at 11am in the Woodridge Congregational Church, Budlong Road, Cranston, with collation to follow. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are greatly appreciated to Hope Alzheimer’s Center, 25 Brayton Ave., Cranston, RI 02920.

Please share memories and condolences at www.WoodlawnRI.com

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