Joseph Terino, Sr.

Joseph Terino, Sr., 90, of North Providence, Jamestown and North Palm Beach, Florida, died on Tuesday, July 17, 2007, at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital after living the American Dream. He was the beloved husband of the late Palmina “Polly” (DiMartino) Terino. He was a businessman, civic leader, humanitarian, world traveler, philanthropist and Santa Claus for decades at the Dr. E.A. Ricci Elementary School.

Born of humble beginnings on Federal Hill in Providence, he was the son of the late Pasquale and Concetta (Rato) Terino. He began his life's service to his fellow man as a boy scout leader. He was one of the first lifeguards at Scarborough Beach. He was an active supporter of the Fogarty Center and a member of numerous organizations including the North Providence Boys and Girls Club, the Bishops Council of St. Joseph, the Navy League, the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association and the United Commercial Travelers. He was also chairman of both the North Providence and Rhode Island Zoning Boards of Review.

Joseph was most proud of his Italian-American heritage. He was the oldest member of the Italo American Club of Rhode Island, having served as its President several times. He was on the Council of the Scalabrini Villa and chairman of its building committee, a member of Unitam, the Italian American Historical Society and a frequent host of Italian dignitaries including the crews of the Corsaro II, the tall ship from Italy, and the Azurra, Italy's 1987 challenger to the America's Cup.

In 1987 he was named "Man of the Year" by the Verrazano Day Observance Committee joining the list of Rhode Island's most accomplished Italian Americans.The Italian government named him a Cavaliere in the Order to the Merit of the Republic of Italy for his lifelong services to the Italo-American community. In 1996, he and his beloved wife Polly, were named Partners in Philanthopy by the State of Rhode Island. They both were benefactors of the North Providence Boys and Girls Club.

In 1945 he founded Tercat Tool and Die Co., Inc., which grew into one of the leading jewelry stampers in the nation. He was a member or President of numerous jewelry trade organizations, among them the Jewelers Shipping Association, the Manufacturing Jewelers and Silversmiths and Metal Findings Associations.

During his wonderful lifetime he traveled the world visiting more than 80 countries, befriending government leaders, international businessmen, Popes and numerous celebrities. Dinner with Marilyn Monroe stood out as one of his life's most treasured moments. He lived well, was a loving family man and a friend to thousands, along the way helping everyone he could.

He leaves two sons, Joseph Terino, Jr. of East Greenwich and Robert P. Terino and his wife Charlene of Providence; a daughter, Joyce Procaccini and her husband Frank of North Providence; a sister, Evelyn Palumbo of Cranston; six grandchildren, Sherri A. Santilli, Robert T. Procaccini Lori A. Donfrancesco, Wendi A. Barricelli, Frank J. Procaccini and Joseph A. Terino and 7 great grandchildren, David, Robert, Isabella, Faith, Alessandro, Kyle and Lily. He was the brother of the late Julia Terino, Louis Terino, Etta Tate and Ann Burson.


His funeral will be held Saturday at 8:45am, from the MACERONI Funeral Home, 1381 Smith St., North Providence, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am in St. Thomas Church, Fruit Hill Ave., Providence. VISITATION Friday 4-8pm. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to North Providence Boys & Girls Club Terino Family Fund, 33 Maple Ave., North Providence, RI 02911.