Julio C. Mainelli

JULIO C. MAINELLI, 95, passed away Sunday June 6, 2021 at home on Vinton Avenue,  Cranston.  He was the beloved husband of Evelyn (Basso) Mainelli. Julio and Evelyn celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on May 26.  Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Nicola and Philomena (Venditti) Mainelli.  He worked for the City of Providence, as a laborer local #1033. He was a Disabled American Veteran serving the United States Army during WWII he received the Bronze Star along with other medals of honor.

Besides his wife, he is survived by two daughters; Denise DeCaro and husband Frank DeCaro of California, Carol Mainelli and her wife Pamela Parrillo. Grandfather of Nicholas, Julianne and Francesca, great-grandfather of Emery Mae. He was the brother of the late Felix and Nicola Mainelli, Josephine Zampino, Phyllis Cook, Nancy Mainelli, Anna Maria “Fannie” Testa, Lena Paolantonio and Jennie Canzone.

Julio served in the U.S. Army in the 70th Infantry Division, 276th Regiment, 6th Battalion, Company H from 1944-1946 in Europe, mostly Germany.  He was a foot soldier on the front lines who carried out orders with lifelong sorrow and a very late in life PTSD diagnosis. 

Julio retired from the City of Providence Parks Department (Roger Williams Park and so many others throughout the state.) Of the many jobs he had, this job was his most favorite and most rewarding. He loved being outside...able to smoke and enjoy his Italian Cigars (Parodi Kings), catching the sun rays (even during the winter months, he still had a remarkable tan) and enjoying the end result of beautifying any of the Parks he labored, especially RWP.

Julio was a great lover of music especially Sinatra’s music of the 1940’s and would bust out a tune for all to enjoy. He wasn’t much for watching main stream sports, but did occasionally. Before the slot machine era, Julio loved playing the horses, handicapping the races and just enjoyed the pure beauty of the animal.  When he traveled, he greatly enjoyed visiting California, experiencing its beauty and visiting with his grandchildren and daughter. Every morning, either he or Evelyn would make/enjoy a hearty breakfast. Shortly after, he would “light up” a smoke and complete the daily crossword puzzle, without ever leaving one box empty. He would say, “I did it again” or “They almost got me, but I finished it.” Then, the next daily challenges would be taken on...Crossword Lottery tickets. Julio was born and raised on Federal Hill in Providence. You’ve heard of the “Last of the Mohegans”, well, Julio was the last of the Mainelli’s ... the greatest generation! May his body, mind and soul be at peace with Our Heavenly Father along with his loving sisters, brothers, Mother, Father and the rest of the departed family. 
Thank you to the doctors and nurses at the VA Hospital and the folks at Hope Hospice.  

It really does take a village.  A special thank you to:  Woodlawn Funeral Home, Pam Parrillo of Alter Ego Hair Salon, Monsignor Carlo Montecalvo, Father Saab of St. George Maronite Catholic Church, Patriot Guard Riders, Pallbearers Major Damian Murphy, SFC John Olivo, Eric Lombari, Jason Badessa, Nathan Wood, Paul Ledo, and Honorary Pallbearer PFC Jack Olivo, Flowers by Santilli, Ralph’s Catering/Santa Maria DiPrata Club, Singers Shoshanna Feinstein, Jennifer & Bob Mainelli, Denise DeCaro, and Pianist, Ms. Pettrucci, along with all who attended Julio’s Wake, Catholic Mass, and Military Graveside Burial. We are proud of our Veteran We are forever grateful. Peace and Love to all. Evelyn, Denise and Carol. 

His visitation  will be held Thursday 9:30-10:30 a.m. at “WOODLAWN” Funeral Home 600 Pontiac Avenue Cranston followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. George’s Church, Cranston Street, Cranston. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Hope Hospice and Palliative Care 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904. Please share memories and condolences at WoodlawnGattone.com