John Richard Rousseau

John R. Rousseau, 72, passed away Friday May 23, 2025 at Rhode Island Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Cathleen (Cavanaugh) Rousseau for 50 years, Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Jay and Theresa (Dessaint) Phillips. 

Besides his devoted wife Cathy, he is survived by two loving daughters and their husbands; Danielle Maurelli and husband Derick and Deidre Gaglione and husband Phil. He leaves his cherished grandchildren Dayla, Santino, Sophia and Demi. He was the brother of Marie Phillips, Michelle Ritacco and the late Linda Zuercher. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

John worked for the City of Cranston before retiring. He served in the United States Navy during the Viet Nam era. 

John and Cathy celebrated their 50th  Wedding Anniversary May 3rd. He was a positive person with a great outlook on life. He loved his family and friends and always looked forward to his next vacation. Cooking for everyone was one of his greatest joys. He was an avid Red Sox and NY Giants fan. John enjoyed the company of his beloved grand-dogs Brooksie and Jocko. Another of John’s favorite hobbies was fishing, as he was definitely a fishing enthusiast.

Visitation for John will be held Tuesday May 27, 2025 from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.  at “WOODLAWN” Funeral Home 600 Pontiac Avenue Cranston.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday  at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Apostles Church, 800  Pippin Orchard Road, Cranston, RI. Interment will be held at a later date. Kindly omit flowers. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the American Heart Association . Please share memories and condolences at www.WoodlawnRI.com

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