Anthony V. Arico
Date of Passing:
Anthony V. Arico, 88, of Barrington, died unexpectedly on January 16, 2025 at Rhode Island Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Joan G. (Tedeschi) Arico.
A lifelong resident of Barrington, he was a son of the late Anthony J. and Mary (Chellel) Arico. He was a graduate of Barrington High School.
Anthony leaves his devoted and beloved wife, Joan (Tedeschi) Arico and daughters, Janice (Arico) Rosa and her husband William Rosa Esq. and Laureen (Arico) Lewis and her husband Joseph A. Lewis Jr. and a son, Anthony P. Arico. He is survived also by two grandsons, Joseph A. Lewis III and his wife Joanna; John J. Lewis and his fiancée Marea Carangelo; one granddaughter, Jessie Elliott; three great grandsons, Luke and Sammy Lewis and Lawson Fitzsimmons. He leaves a brother, Daniel J. Arico, and his wife, Meredith, and his late brother Vincent A. Arico along with several nieces and nephews as well as several great nieces and great nephews.
Anthony was for 30 years the Deputy Director of the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation and was Acting Director when there was a change in Administration during those 30 years.
Anthony was handsome and an impeccable dresser. He was twice chosen as principal speaker of the Town of Barrington’s Memorial Day Observance. Anthony also served as one of the original members of the Bristol County Water Authority and was a member of the Barrington Zoning Board, The Barrington Charter Commission and served to recommend a new superintendent of Barrington Schools.
He was a four-year Veteran of the United States Air Force and served in Tripoli, Libya and Portsmouth, NH in the Strategic Air Command. Anthony attended Barrington Schools and the Extension Division of the University of New Hampshire.
He was Chairman of the Barrington Democratic Town Committee in the 60’s and 70’s when the town was a Republican stronghold. He was credited with changing the political complexion of the town and bears the title of Chairman Emeritus. He served on the Barrington Committee for 60 years and on the Democratic State Committee for 38 years.
While at Barrington High School, Anthony was a pole-vaulter and a lifetime avid jogger. More than anything else, Anthony loved his family and helping people.
Calling hours are Thursday January 23, 2025 in the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside from 4-7 p.m.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial in the Cathedral of Saints Peter & Paul, 30 Fenner Street, Providence on Friday January 24, 2025 at 10 a.m. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Santa Maria del Campo Cemetery, Upland Way, Barrington.
My sincerest condolences to the Arico family. Anthony was truly a good man and nice person. May he Rest in Peace.
Anthony was my rock when I ran for Town Council in 1973. He taught me how to campaign and I always had my back, both as the first Democrat elected to the Council and later when I was part of the first Democratic majority. Neither event would have occurred but for his steadfast leadership. I was pleased he considered me a friend and I always called on him as a sounding board throughout these many decades. I will miss him very much. God Speed on your journey home, Mr. Chairman.
My heart goes out to Joan and Janice, Laureen, and Anthony Jr. I just posted a picture of the obituary on Facebook along with a comment that Anthony was a thoroughly decent guy with a beautiful family, that decades ago he was virtually a one-man Democratic Party in Barrington but persevered and eventually saw things turn around. Elizabeth joins me in expressing sympathy, and may God give the family strength. Mcb, Fort Myers
Dear Janice and family.
I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He had such strength of body mind and spirit. I know he will be missed by your family and certainly the town of Barrington for all he did in serving our community. May God bless him and your family.
Love,
Cathy Ramsey Fales, Class of ‘77
True kind man.
Sorry for your loss
Mr. Arico was a man that always gave to others and never wanted anything in return. He was a friend to my family and my extended family and was always able to find time to spend with his friends. He was always smiling and always happy, it seemed to me. God bless him and his Family.
To a good friend and fellow Veteran I know you will rest in Peace for all the good things you did for your family and the town of Barrington. Most of all you served your country with dignity and Honor, It was always a privilege to visit with you and discuss Veterans Issues, which you always supported. I leave you with a final Salute.
Janice, my condolences to you and your family at the passing of your Dad. He was the quintessential Barringtonian and will be deeply missed.
Rick Spencer, Class of ‘77
My deepest sympathy to the Arico Family. Janice, I’m thinking of you. God bless and may your Father rest in eternal peace. With love.
To the Arico Family,He was always a true gentleman and very proud of his family. May he Rest in Peace and God Bless Him.
Beautiful tribute to a man who had a wonderfully led life and was obviously beloved!! Our deepest condolences to all of his loved ones. With love, Karen & Tim Profita