Harold T. Schofield

Harold T. Schofield of Johnston, Lieutenant of the Providence Fire Department (Retired), was called home to the Lord Jesus Christ his Savior on Sunday, December 29th, surrounded by his devoted family. He was the beloved and steadfast husband of Laraine (Roberts) Schofield, with whom he had just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Harold was the honored father of Daniel P. Schofield with Tina Pereira, Harold T. Schofield III, Karen (Stephen) Saul, Sharon Schofield-Puopolo, and daughter of the heart, Marybeth Buglio. Harold was predeceased by his eldest grandsons, Richie Puopolo and Stephen Saul Jr., who certainly greeted him with a loud, “Hey, Gramp,” wide open arms, and big bear hugs. He was also a proud grandfather to Brianna and Anthony Puopolo, Michael and Bethany Saul, and Mia Schofield. He was a revered great-grandfather to Kayden, Caleb, Camila, Anthony, and Giovanni.

The only son of his deceased parents, Harold T. and Rita (Capra) Schofield, and the loving brother of Cheryl A. Irons, Deborah E. Schofield, and the late Shirley A. Riedeman. He was the esteemed brother-in-law of George and Elaine Sullivan and the late Ralph L. Riedeman Sr. and Steven J. Roberts, survived by spouse Dianne Welch. Harold was affectionately known as Uncle Harry to many nieces and nephews, and he was a loyal and valued friend to all who knew him.

Harry served the Providence Fire Department for 23 years, retiring as a Lieutenant. In addition, he managed the Providence Firefighters Memorial Hall for more than 20 years and is credited with saving and reviving the then-failing club. Harry possessed a fiercely loyal and protective nature which extended throughout every facet of his life. Whether to his family, friends, or his firefighting brotherhood, his devotion and unwavering support were constants that defined his character and made him a pillar of strength and dependability for those who knew him. He shared a wry sense of humor which was often evidenced by a deep chuckle and sparkling blue eyes.

Harry found joy in the simple things: time with family, whipping up a meal for anyone who stopped by, watching nature (whether on TV or near his prized brook), a ride in the country, collecting old coins, a visit to the local coffee shop to enjoy a cup and play some Keno, watching his Red Sox and Patriots, and lately, daily visits to the Dollar Tree which fed his love for a bargain. In his younger years, Harry was known as a mean pool shark and card player, but he later transferred his love of a good game to softball and golf, often playing in and hosting tournaments for the PFD and assorted charities.

Always wanting to be remembered simply as "just a nice guy," Harry truly earned this description in his unique and inimitable "Schofield Way." He believed in doing things the way he knew best, and his confidence in his choices was a hallmark of his personality. It was in the application of those ways that we all felt his love and concern; he simply cared whether you were safe, happy, and loved. With “Schofield certainty, " we know that Heaven will not prevent him from continuing to guide those he loves here on Earth.

His funeral will be held Monday, January 6, 2025, at 8:30 AM from the Romano Funeral Home, 627 Union Avenue, Providence, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Grace Church, Johnston. Burial will be in St. Ann’s Cemetery, Cranston.

Visitation is Sunday, January 5, 2025, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Harold’s name to Our Lady of Grace Memorial Society, 4 Lafayette Street #2712, Johnston, RI 02919, would be greatly appreciated.