Albert "Rick" Terminesi

Albert F. "Rick" Terminesi Jr., 67, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on February 7, 2025. He was the beloved husband of Mary (Wright) Terminesi. Born on June 27, 1957, in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, he was the son of the late Albert F. And Lois J. (Smith) Terminesi.

Rick was known for his generosity and his love of family, friends, and community. His sarcastic quick wit and endless dad jokes were unmatched.

Rick was the owner and operator of the former Terminesi’s Restaurant on Boon Street, where he built a reputation for great food and hospitality. His career also included dedicated service with the Narragansett Highway Department before retirement. Beyond work, Rick was an active member of the South Kingstown Elks Club, where his “Term’s Night” dinners were always well attended. He also participated in numerous fundraisers for the American Cancer Society, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to giving back.

With his resilience, strength, and love of family, Rick courageously faced his health battles. His warrior heart remained steadfast during multiple surgeries, recoveries, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments for esophageal and pancreatic cancer. Rick credited his victorious triumph over cancer in large part to his wife Mary, whom he referred to as his rock. He remained cancer-free for the rest of his life.

Many knew him as Rick and some called him Al — but his favorite title was “Funny Papa.” With love and devotion spanning over 30 years, Rick and his wife Mary shared a life filled with adventure and resilience. Together, they found joy in travel — whether it was day trips, weekend getaways, or journeys to Italy — and cherished their roles as Funny Papa and Gramma to their ten beloved grandchildren.

Besides his wife Mary, he is survived by his children Albert (Laura) Terminesi, Mary Lois Terminesi, Frank (Michelle) Terminesi, Katrina (Chris) Terminesi, Amanda (JT) O’Hara, Adrianne Kiki DeLuca, and Erica DeLuca; grandchildren Tishay, Tyra, Anderson, Emily, Alvindow, Nathan, Journey, Lily, Johnny, Delaney, and Desmond; siblings Jane Clayton, William (Becky) Lyman, Stephan Lyman, and Jennifer Terminesi; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Christina Terminesi-Selecman and brother-in-law Melvin Clayton.

A wake will be held on February 13, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM with a service following immediately after in Avery-Storti Funeral Home in Wakefield. A memorial gathering will take place that evening at 5:30 PM at the South Kingstown Elks Lodge.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the SK Elks Lodge at 60 Belmont Ave Wakefield, RI 02879. Rick’s legacy of kindness and dedication will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to all who loved him.