Peter Joseph Davis

Commander Peter J. Davis, 75, of Naples, Florida and Narragansett, RI and a former resident of Smithfield, RI for 45 years died peacefully in Narragansett surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of E. Berenice (Hackett) Blessing Davis and of the late Margaret E. (Holland) Davis. He was born in Providence RI, the son of the late Joseph Davis and Elizabeth A. (Foley) Davis. Besides his wife, Peter is survived by his daughters: Diane E. Westerman and her husband Stephen of Glocester, Ann Marie Donahue of Smithfield, and Lisa M. Thacker and her husband David of Glocester. Peter was also father of the late Peter J. Davis, Jr. He is survived by his step-children: Michael P. Blessing and his wife Deborah, Mary Elizabeth Blessing, Christine F. Blessing, David P. Blessing and his wife Nancy. He leaves his grandchildren: Ryan Joseph Donahue, Elizabeth Mary Thacker, Patrick Davis Thacker, Michael Joseph Blessing and the late Daniel Peter Donahue. He is survived by his brother, John Davis and family and a sister Sheila Davis of Rumford, RI. Peter was a member of St. William Church of Naples, FL and a member of St. Thomas More parish of Narragansett, RI. He was a member of St. Michael Church, Smithfield,RI for 45 years where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and lector. He was formerly a member of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. Peter graduated from LaSalle Academy in 1948, received an Associate Bachelor of Arts Degree from Catholic University in 1950 and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Providence College in 1953. His Master of Education Degrees were from Boston University in 1960 and Providence College in 1973. His post-graduate studies were completed at Rhode Island College, University of Rhode Island and Providence College. He was selected to attend the U.S. Navy Officer Candidate School in 1953 and commissioned an Ensign in November, 1953. From 1953-1956 he served on the U.S.S. Malvern. He was active in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1956 - 1971. During the summers of 1957-1968 he served on U.S. Navy operating submarines as a qualified submarine watch officer and was the Commanding Officer, Submarine Division 1-41 from 1968-1970. Further, he was the Commanding Officer of the Surface Division 1-37 from 1970-1972. In addition, from 1972-1974, Peter served on the Group Command Staff as Educational Advisor, Naval Reserve Officers School. Since retiring as Commander U.S.N., he is member of the Retired Military Officers Association of Naples, Florida. As a life-long educator in the Providence School Department, his career began at Mount Pleasant High School in 1956 as an English teacher, athletic coach and yearbook faculty advisor. He served as a guidance counselor from 1959-1963. His involvement in various community education programs were Community School and Peace Corps. His administrative career included: Central High School 1964-1968, assistant principal; Central Evening High School, principal ,1964-1971; Gilbert Stuart Middle School, principal, 1968-1972. Peter served as principal of Classical High School From 1972-1987. Upon retirement from the Providence School Dept. in 1987, Peter served as the Chief Administrator for The Prout School and Monsignor Clarke School for the Diocese of Providence until 1991. During his career as an educational administrator, Peter served on a number of educational associations, including: Rhode Island Secondary Principals Association, the National Principal Association and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Providence Public School Administrators Association and the Rhode Island Association of Secondary Schools Committee on Athletics. Other educational activities included: The Providence Journal Scholarship Committee and Rhode Island State Department of Education Advisory Commission for Gifted and Talented Students. He was an elected member of the College Entrance Examination Board. Peter served as the Chairman for the Rhode Island State Conflict of Interest Commission 1985-1988 and was a member of the Rhode Island Ethics Commission from 1980-1985. He had been a member of the Sons of Irish Kings of Providence for over 35 years as well as a member of the alumni associations of LaSalle Academy and Providence College. He served on the Turtle Lake Golf Colony Board of Directors as vice-president since 2004 at his home in Naples, FL. Funeral will be held Tuesday morning at 8:30 A.M. from Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence. Con-celebrated mass of Christian Burial at Cathedral of SS Peter & Paul, Cathedral Square, Providence at 10:00 A.M. Visiting hours Monday, 3 - 7 P.M. Burial with full Military Honors at RI Veterans Cemetery, Exeter. In lieu of flowers, Peter's family would appreciate donations to Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island, South Office, 169 George Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860 or St. Miguel School, 12 Carter Street, Providence, RI 02907.