Leroy Archibald Obituary

Leroy "Sassy" Archibald, 85, of North Providence passed away peacefully at Miriam Hospital surrounded by his family on May 4, 2023. Born in Fox Point section of Providence on December 18, 1937, he was the son of the late Roy and Dorothy (Reis) Archibald and was lovingly known as "Sassy. " Leroy graduated from Hope High School in January 1957. He received his Associate Degree in Business Administration from CCRI. Leroy was a loving and devoted husband to MaryAnn (Lincoln) Archibald for 59 years. June 29 would have marked 60 years of marriage. He is survived by 2 loving daughters, Dr. Mary J. Archibald and son-in-law Bruce Hansen, and Roxanne M. Archibald. Leroy is the last of 7 siblings preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers, Kenneth (Jiggy) Reis, Walter Reis, Earl W. "Buddy" Archibald, Russell J. Archibald, 2 sisters, Lois Gomes, Joyce Waters, and half-sister Bertha Mauricio. Leroy leaves behind many nephews, nieces, great-nephews and nieces, great-grand nephews and nieces, godchildren, and a host of relatives. Leroy was employed at Eastern Toy Company, Atlantic Mills, John Pilling Shoe Company, RI Heart Association, and retired in 2015 from the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (DOT) as a Senior Real Estate Division Right Away Specialist. Leroy also had a side career as an experienced Realtor and Broker for over 50 years. He worked part time privately with his own realty business and then ventured to work part time for Realty Center in North Providence. Leroy's most enjoyable work was as a highly respected Basketball Referee for over 50 years, where he touched many lives working with children, youth, and high school players and their families. He officiated AAU, CYO, indoor and outdoor/summer basketball recreation leagues, RIIL Girls and Boys Basketball Leagues, Unified Basketball games, and umpired Blackstone Valley Baseball and softball games. Leroy's special accomplishments were being inducted into the RI Interscholastic League High School Athletic Hall of Fame, North Providence Sports Hall of Fame, and Fox Point Boys Club Hall of Fame. He received many citations, awards, and recognitions for his unselfish dedication for serving youth as an athletic official. Leroy was also a member of the Irreproachable Beneficial Association (IBA) Club, the AARP Chapter of North Providence 4580, North Providence St. Anthony's Bowling League, and served as a Board Member on Condo Associations. Leroy was of the Sheldon Street Baptist Church in Fox Point. Leroy was a generous and selfless person, who would always put his family before him and offered to help others in any way he could. He was beautiful, quiet, hardworking, and always spent time with his family. He was knowledgeable in Fox Point history, loved fixing things, cooked daily meals, did daily grocery shopping. He played in bowling leagues, enjoyed going to casinos, buying real estate investment properties, and loved to buy cars. Christmas was his favorite holiday. He will be missed by all and forever in our hearts and stories. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Celebration of Life which will be held at the Pontarelli-Marino Funeral Home, 971 Branch Avenue, Providence, RI at 11 a. m. on Thursday, May 11, 2023. Burial will follow in North Burial Ground Cemetery, Providence. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 10, 2023 from 4-7pm in the Pontarelli-Marino Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in his memory made to the Rhode Island Shriners Fund, P. O. Box 3697, Cranston, RI 02910, telephone (401) 439-9608. For Online Condolences visit www. pontarellimarinofunerals. com.