Welfare, William, J., 73, of Griffith Drive, Riverside, died unexpectedly on September 17, 2016.

Born in Providence, a son of the late Walter W. and Helen L. (Dailey) Welfare, he lived in Riverside for 56 years.

Mr. Welfare was an electrician for the former C.I. Hayes Inc. from 1972-1997.

William was Past Commander of the Riverside American Legion Post #10 and a Past Commander of the East Providence V.F.W. He was a member of the Bristol Elks Club and was a communicant of St. Luke Church.

Mr. Welfare was a United States Navy Veteran serving during the Vietnam era.

He is survived by a brother, Walter J. Welfare of Jacksonville, FL.

His funeral will be held on Thursday September 22, 2016 from the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside at 8:45 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Luke Church, Washington Road, Barrington at 10 a.m. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Mount St. Mary Cemetery, Pawtucket. Calling hours are Wednesday 4-7 p.m.