Antonio Faella

Antonio W. Faella, 103, died peacefully in his home on Thursday, October 23, 2025. Born in Providence, RI to Gaetano and Pasqualina (Mastrostefano) Faella, Tony's family soon moved to South Kingstown, RI and he attended school until the age of 16. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Tony enlisted in the Navy and served in the Pacific on a submarine, the USS Spearfish SS190. Tony returned to South Kingstown High School after the war and had the good fortune to meet Betty Kinney. After graduating from the University of Rhode Island, the two were married on Thanksgiving Day in 1951. Tony started his teaching career in Connecticut and Charlestown, RI, but soon became a teacher and principal at the South Kingstown Matunuck Elementary School. The couple had many happy adventures during their 73 years of marriage raising seven children, traveling back and forth across the country visiting friends and national parks in a camper van, and running a summer day camp. After retiring from 34 years of teaching, Tony and Betty assumed responsibility for the family businesses: Larkin's Pond Beach Club, New Fernwood Cemetery, and Kinney Azalea Gardens. They continued to enjoy traveling, attending submarine reunions, and visiting family and friends. Tony is survived by his beloved wife, Betty, their children: Joan (Franklin) Haskell of Hyannis, MA, Steffanie (Norm) Windus of Kingston, RI, Tom (Jane) Faella of Sturgeon Bay, WI, Charlie (Kathy) Faella of Peace Dale, RI, Chris (Martha) Faella of Peace Dale, RI, Merrie Faella of Wakefield, RI, and Helen (Jim) Northup of Estes Park, CO, as well as twelve grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Visiting hours will be held Friday, October 31st from 2-4 PM at the family cottage on Larkin's Pond, 2700 Ministerial Rd, West Kingston, RI. The Funeral Service will be held Saturday, November 1st at 1:00 PM, Church of the Ascension, 370 Main St. Wakefield, RI followed by a reception in the church hall. There will be a private burial in New Fernwood Cemetery. Donations to Friends of the Kinney Faella Gardens at 2391 Kingstown Rd. Kingston, RI 02881 would be appreciated, www.kinneyazaleagardens.com