Obituary: Henry J. Paretes, 91

Henry J. Paretes, 91, died March 27, 2015 at the Bristol Veteran’s Home. He lived in Rumford since 1989. He was the devoted husband of the late Marie C. (Duplessie) Perates. Born in Portland, Maine, he was the son of the late John and Katherine (Keenan) Perates.

He was a graduate of Boston University with a degree in journalism and was a journalist for the Providence Journal for 45 years. He was a radio announcer for WEAN and WPJB stations owned by the Providence Journal. He was a WWII veteran serving with the US Navy and fought in Saipan and Okinawa. He was editor for the Seabees newspaper.

He was a man of deep faith and devoted to his family. He was an advocate for the Deaf and won several awards including the Spellman Award for his outstanding work. He enjoyed spending time with his family especially at Higgins Beach in Maine. He enjoyed his 4 mile walks every day and was an avid reader.

He is survived by his children Katherine M. Richard and her husband Roger of Cranston, Joseph H. Perates of Rumford, Joan C. Perates of Warren, Elizabeth A. Livaccari and her husband Tom of New Rochelle, NY, 2 grandchildren Anna and Christina Livaccari and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late William Perates and Katherine Perates.

His Services will begin on Tuesday morning with Calling Hours from 8-9am at the RI Veteran’s Home Chapel, 480 Metacom Ave., Bristol, RI followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9am. Burial will be in RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to The Corliss Institute Inc., 290 Main Street, Warren, RI 02885. Corliss Institute provides services for the deaf.