Francis P. LaTorre
Date of Passing:
Francis P. LaTorre, 71, of Riverside, RI passed away on February 27, 2021. Frank was born in Boston, Massachusetts to Frank and Antoinette LaTorre on September 20, 1949. He is survived by his three children; Christine LaTorre of Oakhurst, NJ, Caroline LaTorre of Mahopac, NY, Greg LaTorre of Boston, MA, and his former wife and best friend Susan LaTorre of Cape Elizabeth, ME.
Frank graduated from Boston College in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in both economics and political science. He was very proud of his Boston roots, and made frequent trips to see his beloved Red Sox at Fenway Park with his son. His adventurous spirit led him to explore all of New England and more. He enjoyed taking weekend trips to New York City to visit his daughters. He also felt connected to nature. Kayaking, hiking, and vacationing on the lakes in Maine were a way for him to escape the city life and refresh his spirit.
When he was on the road he was hard to miss, driving around with his “WE JAMN” license plate; a testament to his life long love of music. He shared this love with his children, and took great pleasure in embarrassing them by unapologetically dancing in the aisles of every concert they attended together. He was also regularly spotted on the ‘dance cam’ at Providence College basketball games.
Frank was passionate for all things Providence. He was frequently seen walking the streets, especially Federal Hill, and was very proud to show his friends and family the vibrant city. Frank would go out of his way to meet new people and could hold a conversation with nearly anyone. He took a genuine interest in other people’s experiences and listened intently.
Faith, family and friends meant everything to him. He believed good food could bring everybody together, and never turned down a chance to cook a fine italian meal for his children or members of his family. Although Frank was an only child, his large extended family were like brothers and sisters to him.
In his own words, we will honor him… “By staying close knit as a family, as the next generation takes the baton and by continuing to tell our family stories, rich in adventure, determination, humor and love.”
Frank appreciated life’s blessings and miracles, and was deeply rooted in his faith. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to St. Luke’s Parish: 108 Washington Rd., Barrington, RI 02806.
Visitation will be 3:00 – 7:00pm on Wednesday, March 10 at W. Raymond Watson Funeral Home: 350 Willett Ave., Riverside, RI. The guidelines set forth by the Rhode Island Department of Health will be observed. Face coverings are required and only fifteen people will be allowed in the building at a time.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at St. Luke’s Catholic Church: 108 Washington Rd., Barrington, RI 02806.
For those who are unable to attend the funeral service, a live stream of the mass will be available on St. Luke’s website – www.stlukesparish.com
I just heard this news. I’m in shock. Frank was a friend, colleague and mentor. We met at a professional conference years ago, and I always looked forward to seeing him at events. He had boundless energy and was always laughing. I visited him once in Providence while working on another job and he graciously treated me to dinner at and took me to WaterFire, where I met Barnaby Evans, the brilliant artist now internationally renowned for his work. Frank had a spirit of gold. Passionate about his work and life in general, he had an infectious energy that very few could match. Twenty five years my senior, I could never keep up with his late night outings. The World lost a great man and dedicated downtown professional.
I was stunned to learn of Frank’s passing. I was a classmate at Boston College. Frank lived next door Freshman year in Shaw House. I had reconnected with him a number of years ago through Dan Burke, one of my Freshman roommates and Kevin Morrison another BC alum. I send my sympathy to Frank’s family, but I know Frank is now dancing on the Streets of Gold! We will see him again and I am sure he will have that warm smile and a story to tell.
To Frank’s family and his multitude of friends…..I am so very sorry for your loss, I hope that in time happy memories of Frank with ease the pain felt now. Frank and I met at the Women’s March in Jan 2016 on the Boston Common (how apropos!). We were political kindred spirits and developed a unique friendship over the past few years. He could make me laugh like no one else, I will miss him terribly. He loved his family and his friends deeply. His being here made the world a far better place.
My deepest condolences to his family, friends and coworkers.
One last note….The ringtone on my phone now plays Bob Marley’s “Jammin’”
It was with great sadness that I heard of the passing of Frank. He and I were friends over the last fifteen years and shared many experiences while attending theatre, concerts, dinners and fundraisers. He was always so enthusiastic about anything he was doing and expressed great passion for his family, friends and his City. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Frank was an inspiration, a leader and a friend. His spirit will be dearly missed, but his love of life, kindness and humor will always be remembered.
He gave me one of my first big breaks, probably when I had barely earned it, but he saw the potential and challenged me to live up to it. That was his greatest gift, he believed in me more than I believed in myself.
I am so sorry for your loss, and grateful to have known him. RIP Frank.
My condolences to Frank’s family during this sad time. I am so grateful my path crossed with Frank’s many times over the past decade. I first met him when he was playing Santa on Westminster Street and will never forget how he made everyone laugh, young and old alike. He had a love for this city that was unmatched and I often found him having lunch in the park, striking up a conversation with anyone who happened to sit next to him. My favorite memory of Frank is the day I snuck out of the office early to attend an afternoon lecture at Brown featuring two dancers who were performing later that night at PPAC. Who do I see when I walk into the dance studio? Frank!
The first voice you heard when entering a family gathering was Frank’s. There he was, entertaining a group of relatives and friends, young and old, with his legendary stories and crazy sense of humor. He loved all of us and truly enjoyed everyone’s friendship and attention. He will be sorely missed. Sincerest condolences to his family.
What a wonderful spirit, and what energy he put into our fair City of Providence! I had so many great productive conversations with Frank about Downtown. He was so thoughtful and so full of humor. He will truly be missed by all those who love Providence and who knew him. May he smile down on us as we try to carry on his good work. Our condolences to his family.
Frank, who stayed with our family growing up, my surrogate brother. Frank and my brother Bruce were bestest of friends since childhood. Always had a smile, a laugh, a story to tell, a hug, a great time. One you always wanted to be around and one you always thought would be around, forever, you will forever be missed, brother Frank. Life is too short. God is waiting for us all. Frank is waiting for the rest of us now.
Frank – we would meet on our balconies and talk about the beautiful sunsets and take way too many pictures and then laugh about how all the sunsets “kinda looked the same”. Over the past year we took comfort knowing your were next door in case Michaela needed anything while she home schooled and I know you took comfort knowing that no matter what Jay and I would be right there anytime you needed us. I miss listening for you every day and I truly miss the way you use to sing in your kitchen (which we could clearly hear) – it is very lonely without your sounds! I am grateful that we were able to be there for each other. I will always smile when I think back on Christmas and we brought you dinner (which happened to be from an Italian restaurant) and you were so happy that someone else ate Italian food on Christmas. I am so grateful that Jay and I had the privilege to stand strong against any adversity and be there to take care of those we care so much about. It is so hard to walk by your door and not knock on it to say hello!!
You can rest now and know that you were so genuinely loved and I know how much you truly loved your family❤️
All our love
Lisa and Jay
My deepest sympathies to Frank’s family at this most difficult time. Having shared office space for many years, we would meet in the lunch room for morning coffee. He always had a nice word to say. To say he was Mr. Providence is an understatement. He cared deeply about the City and worked tirelessly to make Providence a wonderful City. I will always remember Frank in many Chamber meetings being the first one to ask a question of our speakers! You will be missed. Rest in peace Frank.
Working with Frank for 15 years was a treat, informative, intense when looking for a successful result and ever varied. He was, to himself and to many others, Mr. Providence.
His spirit will walk the streets with his warm smile for all. May he Rest In Peace.
There was one person in this world that made me laugh so hard, my stomach would hurt. Frank had a wonderful sense of humor and with his deep baritone voice, you always knew when he was in the room. We shared many meals together and had just plain fun. He was an ambassador for Providence in the same way as my husband Joe. We love you and will miss you greatly.
Love Joe and Laurie DiBattista.
We first met Franco when Kevin was a freshman at Boston College in 1967. We shared many of life’s joys over the years – college fun, old paint (his car), the Hollow Reed, watching our kids grow up, Red Sox games and many others. For us, this is the only sadness in our long friendship.
Frank was truly one of a kind. In my 27 years of knowing him, he became the brother I never had. The sight of leading the Kennebunk HS Football Team on the field after halftime on a rainy night and leading the crowd in cheers of DEE-FENSE! Is one which I will never forget.
He was truly one of a kind and I will miss him
Frank was a wonderful friend with a passion for his work, his friends, family, faith and love of life and all things the universe presented. I will miss our deep dives about nature, concerts, public space and spirituality, and will cherish these memories dearly. I am so grateful for our friendship. He was an exceptional human and will be deeply missed. My sincere condolences are with his family and friends.
Frank was a true gentleman, his personality, love and passion for the vibrancy, safety and success of the City of Providence was admired. He will certainly not be forgotten. May he rest in peace.
Frank was an amazing person with a smile that lit up the world. I loved the stories of his adventures and talking politics with him. He loved people. I’m so glad he lived to see Trump out of office.
Our deepest condolences from the bottom of our hearts go out to Frank’s children, Caroline, Christine and Greg, as well as to Susan. We had the privilege to meet and know Frank, but not as long and better than we would of liked to. Frank left everybody he loved too soon. Rest In Peace Frank. You will be missed. Sincerest sympathies from Alicja and Stanley Backiel.
Thank you for being a welcoming presence when I first joined the foundation. My deepest condolences to your family.
I am very sorry to hear about Frank’s passing. His energy and humor will be greatly missed. My condolences go out to the entire LaTorre family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
My condolences to Frank’s family. In addition to being an energetic champion of Providece, Frank was always a pleasure to deal with
He will be missed
Frank loved the City of Providence, life, food, music and his family. Always striving to attract people to experience the beauty of the city, he believed in the vibrancy of the city and its’ future. He was respected, beloved and admired by the Providence Police Department. He was a true partner of public safety. We thank him for making us better. Rest In Peace Frank. You served with honor, dignity and distinction.
Steven M. Paré
Commissioner of Public Safety
City of Providence
Frank was a gentleman and our friend. He was passionate about his family, his friends, his work and his religion. He will be missed by many but remembered always. Dan Baudouin and Renee Chicoine
We were deeply saddened to learn of Frank’s passing. His passion and commitment to improving the City of Providence served as an inspiration to many. Always willing to bring divergent groups together, Frank’s persistence and persuasive skills were at their best.
Having had the opportunity to work with Frank for many years I will always treasure those memories.
My wife and I attended those PC games and experienced Frank’s dance skills live. Impressive!!
Our heartfelt condolences to Frank’s family and friends. God rest his soul.
My wife Nancy and I offer our most sincere condolences to the entire LaTorre family and his wide circle of friends.
I had the pleasure and honor of knowing Frank for close to 20 years. Frank had the magical, mischievous giggle when we spoke, but he was passionate about his work.
He called me one morning to tell me that there was graffiti on one of our buildings. I said, “Frank, we’re planning to demolish that building in two weeks.” His response was classic Frank – “But it will look terrible for two weeks – can’t you get it taken care of?” So disarming, we removed the graffiti in spite of the pending demolition. Only Frank had that power.
I hope your pleasant memories of Frank will provide you each with comfort as they do me.
God bless him.