Ricardo C. Tavares
Date of Passing:
Ricardo Costa Tavares, 93, of Peach Orchard Drive, Riverside, passed away unexpectedly at his home on June 27, 2025. He was the devoted husband of the late Gloria (Carnevale) Tavares, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and partnership.
Born in Providence, Ricardo was the son of the late Annibal C. and Sophia (Viveiros) Tavares. A proud resident of Riverside for 67 years, Ricardo built a life centered on family, education, community service, and quiet devotion to the world around him.
Ricardo’s life was one of purpose and generosity. A graduate of the University of Rhode Island, he went on to earn a Master’s Degree from Rhode Island College. For 25 years, he was a dedicated teacher in the East Providence School Department, retiring in 1984. His commitment to shaping young minds left a legacy in the lives of countless students.
Deeply engaged in his community, Ricardo served as a member of the East Providence Conservation Committee and as a Scout Master for Riverside Troop #10. In 1998, he was honored with induction into the East Providence High School Hall of Fame—recognition of his steadfast dedication to the town he loved.
A gifted woodworker, Ricardo also found peace and joy in the natural beauty of Prudence Island, where he spent many treasured moments with his family.
A proud U.S. Navy Veteran, Ricardo served his country during the Korean conflict with honor and quiet pride.
He leaves behind two daughters, Patricia A. Tavares of Barrington and Cheryl A. Tavares of Prudence Island; a granddaughter, Kendra Jenness of Rehoboth; and two great-grandchildren, Ayla and Mason Jenness, who brought him immeasurable joy in his later years. He was predeceased by his siblings, Theresa Drennan, Jacqueline Bryant, and George Tavares.
Ricardo Tavares lived a life defined by humility, service, and love—his memory will remain a source of strength and inspiration to all who knew him.
Ricardo’s Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 12 noon in the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 3–6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ricardo’s memory to the Disabled American Veterans (help.dav.org) or the Prudence Island Volunteer Fire Department (pivfd.org) would be deeply appreciated.
A wonderful Scout Leader, Teacher and Mentor. A life well lived. Rest in Peace.
Dave Sanders aka “Little Man”
Troop 10
Riverside
My condolences to the Tavares family. I was fortunate to have Mr. Tavares for class at Riverside Jr. High in the early 70s. He was a gifted teacher.; enthusiastic about his subject and always supportive of his students. May he rest in peace.
Mary Thompson Heffner
When people who are now in their seventies were kids, Rick was a member in good standing of one of the most intense gatherings of Junior High teachers imaginable. Jean Pacheco, Adrian Plante, Thelma Rocha, and he were all respected and venerated for their devotion to their subject matter and to their young students. Models of enthusiasm and professionalism all.
Just heard today about Uncle Dick’s passing. My condolences to Patty, Cheryl, Kendra and Aunt Lorraine and their families. Uncle Dick was my favorite uncle when I was growing up (before my mom, Auntie Gloria’s sister, passed). Sad to hear about his passing, but glad to hear that he touched his community in so many positive ways.
Sending sincere thoughts, prayers, and love to the entire extended Tavares family. Ricardo was such a great man, and role model, I’ll sincerely miss seeing in the neighborhood. Rest in peace Mr. Tavares.
It is with deep sadness that I have learned of the passing of Ricardo ‘Rick’ Tavares.
Rick was both a colleague and close friend. He was an extraordinary educator who not only mentored his student but also new, young teachers just entering the profession. Rick was highly regarded and admired by all who knew him.
With sincere condolences to his daughters, Patricia & Cheryl, and his extended family & friends.
You will be missed beyond measure
Excellent man for his generation.Thank you for support to U.S.Navy and BSA.
Dick was a great influence in my life both at Troop 10 and in Junior High where he taught science. I also learned a lot about carpentry and tools especially when we built the cabin at the on the pond at the Troop 10 Camp Rivendell.
My sincere condolences to and prayers for Cheryl and Patty and their family on the passing of their father and grandfather. Dick was a wonderful man who greatly enriched the lives of his family, students, colleagues and Scouts and many friends. Although he has left us his positive influence will always remain in the many lives he touched.
I’m saddened to hear this news. Mr. Tavares was a wonderful person and will be missed by many.
My sincere condolences to Rick’s family. He was a great teacher and a mentor to so many through his work in scouting. May he rest in peace.
My sincere condolences and prayers go out to the Tavares Family. Rick was such a wonderful kindred spirit. Rick’s energy was always infectious. His contributions made Riverside such a nice place to live. Rick counselled and educated many students from science, volunteering, Scouting, just being an outright good neighbor.
Ricks skills and talent were many. He was always involved in some kind of do it your self-projects. I guess that’s where our friendship bonded. My classroom was the Technical Education area (Woodworking). He had such a love for wood.
I was blessed to be on the same staff for 20 years with him. He was the consummate professional. Always well prepared, respected, revered by students, faculty and staff. His knowledge and qualities were instilled in many generations of students. The impact of his teaching had such a positive impact of our youth.
My condolences to the family of Mr Tavares. He was my 9th grade science teacher, he was one of the young “cool’ teachers on the third floor. He always had time for his students, he was always remembered. Mary ( Moon) Vieira
Patty and Cheryl, I am so sad to hear of your Dad’s passing. Thinking of you and sending you heartfelt condolences. What an absolutely beautiful tribute to your Dad and his legacy. What struck me about your father, (even as a very little girl), was exactly as you described – his quiet, kind, and steady presence. I know my parents truly enjoyed being in his company on so many occasions. Wishing you peace and countless fond memories of your Dad.
On behalf of the East Bay Retired Teachers Association I’d like to offer our deepest condolences on the passing of our friend and colleague Rick. He was truly a man of all seasons. He devoted so much of his time to the children of East Providence. He was a devoted husband to dear Gloria. His children were his world. He was a kindred spirit who always had a kind word. The world has lost a true gentleman. Rest in peace dear friend.
I fondly remember Mr. Tavares as scoutmaster of Troop 10 and the invaluable knowledge and skill he imparted to us as scouts. A truly unique man and a pleasure to know. Wishing serenity and strength to his family and friends.
Rick was an exceptional classroom teacher and science department head. We worked together for three years. He was, on his own time, without compensation, Scout leader to special needs
children at Riverside Junior High School. Every Friday he devoted time to those students, who like many of his after school scouts, was revered and loved for his caring ways and easy manner.
Rick rest in peace knowing that you made a difference wherever you taught.
Cheryl and Pat, my condolences to you and the family. I was a member of Troop 10 and recall with fondness the hikes and camping with your father and troop members. My mother also spoke fondly of him, as she was a secretary at the Riverside Junior High School. He’ll never be forgotten.
Gone but never far from our hearts! Cheryl and Patty, my prayers are with you and your family!
Another former Scout from Troop 10. A great Leader, Rick had us doing a lot of activities. I remember him builidng a large TeePee that was set on the grounds of the Legion Hall; we camped in the winter in it. His effort and committment was not forgotten…..
My sincere condolences to the entire family. Mr. Tavares, as my seventh grade teacher, set the stage for myself and others on a quest to learn and appreciate the educational process. A true gentleman and I’m proud and honored to be called a friend of his. I will miss him.
I am heartbroken by the news of Ricks passing. I first met Rick as a new member of Troop 10. Rick quickly became my mentor and took me under his wing and helped me meet many challenges faced as a tenderfoot scout. Throughout the years, as a scout, Rick was always encouraging and supporting. He took us to his home on Prudence Island for camping trips. He taught us to respect nature and the beauty it brought to the world. Rick dedicated his life giving, especially to young people. He was a mentor, later a colleague and most importantly a friend. Although I did not see him much theses past few years, the time I did spend with him was always memorable. Thank you Tavares family for sharing your Dad/grandfather with the world. He was truly one of a kind and I will miss him dearly. Rest in peace Ricardo, until we meet again. My heartfelt sympathies. George Sarganis
Uncle Dick, you were loved beyond measure!