Luke A. Teeman

 Luke A Teeman, 58, of North Providence, passed away on October 9, 2024 following a brief, intense battle with stage 4 stomach cancer. His loving family surrounded him as he passed. He was the beloved husband and best friend of Deborah “Deb” (Palumbo) Teeman, and the son of the late Regina (Sepe) Teeman and John Teeman. An adored friend, Babbo, Nonno, family member and community member, his death has left a profound void in the hearts of all who knew him.

Luke was a remarkable human. A man of few words and tremendous heart, he had a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life through a smile, a silly hat, a helping hand or a listening ear. 

For much of his 30+ year career, he proudly served as WalMart’s Community Outreach Coordinator for Providence, connecting local organizations with the funds necessary to help others. In addition, he was a dedicated volunteer with Red Lined, a Rhode Island-based nonprofit organization committed to increasing access to menstrual products, played Santa at the Wanskuck library, and greeted Black Friday shoppers at WalMart in full grumpy elf regalia. Luke had a unique ability to recognize others’ needs and quietly fulfill them. If someone was sad, sick, hungry, or otherwise burdened, he would find a way to ease that suffering, discreetly and often from his own pocket. His generosity and humility were boundless. In the mid-90s, Luke was the recipient of a kidney donation, a priceless gift that enabled him to live a full and meaningful life. He was immensely grateful for the selfless act that restored his health, and would often choke up when recounting the circumstances that made his transplant possible. He was a staunch advocate for organ donation and cherished every moment of his life.

Luke understood the value of ordinary miracles and strove to make every moment memorable. There was never a holiday or person left uncelebrated. Everyone he met received a nickname, whether they wanted it or not. He filled his free time taking thrifting adventures with his best friend Deb, collecting things that brought him joy, illuminating the backyard with lanterns and vintage blow molds, singing show tunes, gardening, and decorating. He loved a good haircut and was immediately recognizable for his incredible, steely-grey beard. 

A proud and devoted father, Luke was also an avid supporter of the LGBTQIA2+ community. He loved a celebration and looked forward to attending Pride with his daughters. He would shop for his outfits far in advance, often outdressed the crowd, was once invited to dance on a float in a pink boa, and was awarded the moniker of ‘Gay Santa’—an accolade he’d share with anyone who’d listen. Luke was a bright light. His legacy lives through his children, his granddaughter, and the memories of those whose lives he touched with his kindness, quirkiness, humor, and unconditional love.

He is survived by his three adoring children, Shannon Brennan and her wife, Johanna Church, Erin (Brennan) Nascimento and her husband, Jason Nascimento, and Kelly Brennan; his granddaughter and bestest friend, Aubrey Nascimento; his niece, Rose Pouliot; and his siblings, Maria (Teeman) Santopietro and her late husband Douglas Santopietro, and Angela (Teeman) Pouliot and her husband, Marc Pouliot, John David Teeman and his wife Sindee Teeman, and James Teeman and his wife Jill Teeman.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend funeral services on Friday, October 18, 2024 at 10 a.m. in the Maceroni Funeral Home, 1381 Smith St., North Providence. Interment will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Visitation will be held Thursday, October 17, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please honor his memory and help give the gift of life with a donation to the Gift Processing at National Kidney Foundation HQ, Attn: New England Chapter 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016.