He Drove a Truck to Work His Way Thru RISD, Frank Manni of Johnston Dies at 93

He Drove a Truck to Work His Way Thru RISD, Frank Manni of Johnston Dies at 93

Frank Manni, 93, of Johnston, RI, passed away Thursday, April 3, 2025, at HopeHealth Hospice in Providence, RI, surrounded by family. Married for 52 years, Frank was the beloved husband of the late Felice P. (DiPietro) Manni. He was born in Cranston, RI, to the late Francesco and Tilde (Ronci) Manni and graduated from Cranston High School.

He worked at various jobs, delivering steel and as a truck driver, before attending RI School of Design at night and becoming an Architectural Draftsman. Frank was employed at several architectural firms in MA and RI, including Keys Associates of Lincoln, RI, until retiring in 1995. Frank was a perfectionist in all he did, especially when helping family and friends remodel their homes. Immensely proud of his children, he enjoyed spending time with family, attending his grandchildren’s academic and sporting events, gardening, bowling, and wintering in Florida with his companion of over ten years, Ellie Guild.

He is survived by his children, Frank J. Manni, Esq. (Dianne), John C. Manni, Esq. (Barbara), and Felicia A. Manni-Paquette, Esq. (Michael). Frank was the cherished grandfather to Joseph Manni, Cassandra Poland, Gregory Manni, and Amber and Michael Paquette, and great-grandfather to Bentley and Brooks Poland, and Nico Manni. He was the brother of Natalie Brandt, and the late Elsie, Albert, Armand, and Fred Manni, Mary Marcello, Louise Tamagni, Angelina Renzi and Mafalda Doglione, and loving Uncle to many nieces and nephews, and brother-in-law to Joseph DiPietro.

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His funeral will be held on Wednesday, April 9th at 8:45 a.m. from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, Johnston at 10 a.m. Burial will be at St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Visiting hours are Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Robert Bellarmine Food Closet, 1804 Atwood Ave., Johnston, RI 02919.