George Medina

George Medina, 80, of North Providence, passed away Sunday, November 11, 2007 at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Ann (Ciresi) Medina. Born in East Providence, he was the son of the late Manuel and Mary (Bettencourt) Medina. He had worked as a personnel manager for various local department stores. In his younger years, George played soccer for the Fox Point Soccer Club and was a member of that organization’s Hall of Fame. He was also a Navy Veteran.

During early 1950, both George and his wife Ann, were founding parents of the movement to establish services for children with mental retardation within Rhode Island. For approximately 35 years, George volunteered his time and effort advocating for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Throughout that time, George was a dedicated and enthusiastic member of the Board of Directors of The John E. Fogarty Center in North Providence and served several terms as President of the organization. In addition, he was actively involved in the, then, Rhode Island Association of Retarded Citizens ( RIArc) and was elected President of that organization as well.

Besides his wife of 57 years, he leaves a son, George Medina, Jr.; two daughters, Kathleen Cassino and her husband John and Madeline Medina; six grandchildren; a great granddaughter; a brother-in-law, Robert S. Ciresi, Esq. and his wife Deborah
Henry and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late John Medina and Mary Grillo.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial Thursday at 10am in St. Lawrence Church, Woonasquatucket Ave. Visiting hours respectfully omitted. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to The John E. Fogarty Center, 220 Woonasquatucket Ave., North Providence, RI 02911.