Anthony Vincent Orabone who had been a resident of Dennis and South Yarmouth, MA and formerly of East Providence, RI passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family and friends on Thursday, March 25, 2021. He was 96 years young.

He was the loving husband of Alice L. (Mustillo) Orabone. They would have celebrated 74 years of marriage in August.

Tony was born April 10, 1924 in Providence, RI and grew up in Pawtucket. He was the son of the late Rosindo and Rosina (Gallipo) Orabone. Tony graduated from Pawtucket East High School in 1940 (at the age of 16 years and 2 months), received his Bachelor of Philosophy Degree from Providence College in 1948, his Master of Science Degree in Social Service from Boston University School of Social Work in 1953, and his certificate from the Yale University School of Alcohol Studies in 1959.

During World War II, Tony served as a Sergeant in the United States Army Air Forces as a photographic specialist. He was Honorably Discharged in 1946.

Tony began his career in Human Services in 1949 and served the children and youth of Rhode Island through his employment at the Juvenile Court, the Family Court and in the Department of Social Welfare, and Social and Rehabilitative Services.  He was the Assistant Director of the Department of Corrections and the Director of the Department of Children and Their Families.  His career has been characterized by his commitment to excellence and a deep concern for all. He was a loyal and devoted public official and a man of great integrity. The Governor of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, J. Joseph Garrahy, proclaimed August 3, 1983 as Anthony V. Orabone Day. Following retirement in the 1980’s Tony had fulfilled his lifelong dream by relocating to Cape Cod. He had been taking trips to the Cape with his family since 1936.

Tony was deeply interested in the game of golf. Although not a low handicap golfer, over the years he did make 3 holes-in-one. An avid golfer, he was always searching for that special item to add to his exceedingly large collection of golf memorabilia. Tony was also a professional photographer combining this talent with his interest in golf allowed him to accumulate many autographed photos of the greatest golfers of all time; past and present.

Tony was a devoted husband and father. He was most passionate about his family, and especially enjoyed spending holidays with the entire family.

In addition to his beloved wife Alice, Tony is survived by his two daughters, Debra A. Williams of Kissimmee, FL and Claudia J. Orabone of East Providence, RI and Hyannis, MA; a sister, Patricia A. Jackson of North Marshfield, MA; a son-in-law, Alberto Shaio of Greenwich, CT; sister-in-law, Janice Orabone of New Bern, NC; his three special grandchildren, Elizabeth Archibald and her husband Joseph of Ridgefield, CT, DR. Katherine Sandhu of Greenwich, CT and Victor Shaio of New York, NY; five beautiful great-grandchildren, Lily and Chloe Archibald, and Mateo, Talia and Liana Sandhu. He was also “Uncle Tony” to three notable nephews, Joshua Jackson and his family of Merrimac, MA; Lincoln Jackson and his family of West Newbury, MA; and William Orabone and his family of San Diego, CA; and one niece Wendy Spencer of Essexville, MI. In addition to his parents, Tony was predeceased by his daughter, Linda Christine Shaio, his brother, William Edward Orabone, brother-in-law, Geoffrey Gordan Jackson, and his son in-law, Philip Stuart Williams.  

At this time, funeral services will be private. A celebration of Tony’s life will be held at a later date.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Linda Shaio Foundation, P.O. Box 4235, Greenwich, CT 06831 or to the Dennis Fire Department, 883 Main St, West Dennis, MA 02670.

“He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.”

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