Obituary: Mary E. Provost, 111, Of Greenwich

Courtesy of Castiglione Funeral Home

Mary E. Provost of Greenwich CT, peacefully passed away at home on June 18, 2023, at the age of 111 (and 5 months). Born in Greenwich, Connecticut on January 19, 1912 to the late Bruno Tiriolo (1881–1984) and Carmela Morabito-Tiriolo (1893–1971), who both emigrated from Reggio Calabria, Italy. Mary was the eldest of five siblings: Patrick Tiriolo (d.1970), Joseph Tiriolo (d.1942), Grace LaRusso (b.1921 — ) and Mildred Popp (b. 1927 — ). Mary leaves behind daughters Luella Ferraro of Cos Cob, and Suzanne Angeley and husband Bruce Schaffner of West Tisbury, MA; she was preceded in death by son, Joseph Earl Slocum, 76, of Lynchburg, VA in 2018.

Mary attended Greenwich public schools and in 1932 married the love of her life Earl Ellsworth Slocum (1910 - 1967). She and Earl moved into their quaint house located in Greenwich in 1950, where she lived until her passing. Some of her fondest memories were of them dancing, be it in a ballroom, on the patio, or their living room. She later married second husband, Joseph Provost, who passed away in 1981.

Mary’s zest for life was one of her greatest qualities. She had a witty sense of humor, spending hours laughing with her sisters, and loved people, travel, food, especially desserts, and the occasional martini with five olives. She believed in moderation. Her strength was in her solid work ethic and her ability to find the silver lining during the most difficult times. “You get what you get, so you have to enjoy your life” she often said. In addition to working as a waitress, her beautiful voice landed her a job for several years as a long-distance switchboard operator with AT&T, and a receptionist.

operator position at Empire Brush Works, as well as various companies throughout New York City. She was an active volunteer well into her mid-90s for Meals on Wheels and Nathaniel Witherell. She loved playing piano, which she learned at age 50, birdwatching, walking at Tod’s Point, lawn bowling, playing cards and Scrabble, traveling the world, but mostly spending time with family.

In addition to sisters Grace and Mildred, both of Greenwich, Mary is survived by grandchildren James Ferraro (Miami FL), John Ferraro (Los Angeles), Kim Arguimbau (Greenwich), Jesse Angeley (Burlington MA), Justin Slocum (Richmond VA), Carmela Moon (Manassas VA); as well as great-grandchildren James Ferraro, Jr. and Andrew Ferraro (Miami FL), Alexis Callahan (Boston MA), Dmitri and Mateo Ferraro (Miami FL), Sara Faith Slocum (Richmond VA), Emerson, Greyson, and Loughlin Moon (Manassas, VA), and Charlotte, Logan, and Lilianna Angeley (Burlington, MA), and a host of nephews and nieces.

Viewing hours are Sunday, June 25th from 1-5 p.m. at Castiglione Funeral Home, 544 Old Post Road, #3, Greenwich. The funeral service will be on Monday, June 26th at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 178 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich.