Bruce William Alarie

Bruce W. Alarie, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, veteran, firefighter, and friend to nearly everyone he met, passed away peacefully at age 75, leaving behind a lifetime of memories rooted in family, hard work, generosity, and community. Known for his warm personality and unmistakable gift for conversation, Bruce never met a stranger — only people he had not yet had the chance to talk to.

Bruce was a beloved son of the late John and Louise (Garakop) Alarie; and devoted father of Christopher Alarie and his wife Shannon, and Jason Alarie. He shared deep bonds with his family throughout his life. He is survived by his brothers and sisters Leo Alarie, Henry Alarie, Denise Parker, Sandra Rattie, and Marlene Giguiere. He was predeceased by John Garakop, Jean Dunn, Barbara Rozxkide, Arlene Forget, Robert Mary, and Thomas Alarie. He also leaves his sisters-in-law Jessica Garakop and Paula Boudreau, along with many nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Bruce dearly.

For 52 wonderful years, Bruce was the loving and devoted husband of Barbara A. (Ranalli) Alarie. Together they built a home in North Providence filled with laughter, open doors, and unconditional love. Their home became a gathering place not only for their two sons, but for their sons’ many friends as well. Anyone who walked through the Alarie front door was treated like family and almost certainly fed before leaving.

Bruce proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Military Policeman. His sense of duty and service continued long after his military years, as he later volunteered as a firefighter with the Geneva Fire Station in North Providence. Helping others was simply part of who he was. If someone needed assistance — whether an emergency, a repair, or advice — Bruce showed up.

A natural handyman, Bruce truly believed there was nothing he could not fix or build. He was always working on a project around the house, improving something, repairing something, or building something new. One of his proudest accomplishments was restoring his son’s 1967 Mustang convertible, carefully bringing it back to its original beauty with patience, pride, and love.

Bruce also gave his time coaching his sons’ baseball teams in the St. Anthony’s T.I.P. baseball league. Later in life he became an enthusiastic spectator, attending his grandchildren’s games and activities. He cheered loudly for Ben and Jakey at their baseball and soccer games and never missed an opportunity to tell others how proud he was of them. He adored his grandchildren — singing to Jaxon, fishing with the kids, teaching them to quahog and go clamming, and sharing quiet cuddles with Avery, his “little princess,” who loved her Grampy dearly.

Bruce had a passion for treasure hunting long before it became popular. He spent countless weekends at flea markets, yard sales, and auctions, always chasing the thrill of the find. He became one of the earliest sellers on eBay in the early 1990s, recognizing the opportunity before most people even knew what the internet could be. His love of antiques eventually led him and his nephew Aaron Boudreau to open an antique store in Massachusetts, where he enjoyed both the business and, even more, the conversations with customers.

Cooking became another one of Bruce’s great joys. After retirement, he proudly took over the kitchen at home and cooked as if he were feeding an entire firehouse. He became especially known for his clam chowder, clam cakes, and calamari — dishes family and friends requested again and again. His involvement in the community extended to food as well, serving as chairman of the St. Anthony Feast for several years, where he helped bring people together in celebration and tradition.

Bruce loved people. A quick trip to the grocery store rarely stayed quick. He would run into someone he knew — or someone he didn’t — and begin talking. Conversations stretched easily into hours. He happily shared advice on where to find the best deals, what to cook for dinner, or his thoughts on politics and daily life. For Bruce, talking wasn’t small talk; it was connection. He cared about people and made them feel noticed and valued.

Above all else, Bruce will be remembered as a kind and generous man. He would give his time, his tools, his knowledge, and often the shirt off his back to help someone else. His life was measured not by possessions, but by the relationships he built and the people he helped.

His absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but his voice, his laughter, and his lessons live on in the family he loved so deeply and in the countless lives he touched.

Bruce’s legacy is simple and powerful: take care of your family, welcome others, work hard, and always help when someone needs you.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 13, 2026 from 8:30-10:30 AM in the PONTARELLI-MARINO FUNERAL HOME, 971 Branch Avenue, Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM in Saint Anthony Church, 1413 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Meeting Street School, 1000 Eddy St., Providence, RI 02905 or https://meetingstreet-bloom.kindful.com in his memory would be appreciated.

For online tributes and condolences, please visit www.pontarellimarinofunerals.com