Amedeo Molfesi

He was the beloved fiancée of Christine Bourgeois, with whom he shared 32 years of love, life and adventure.

Born in Providence, he was the beloved son of the late Salvatore and Luigia “Gina” (Esposito) Molfesi.

In addition to his fiancée, Amedeo is survived by his sister, Linda Molfesi and his nieces, Gina Molfesi and Christina Frye (James), and several great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Vincenzo Molfesi.

Amedeo was born three weeks after his parents arrived from Naples, Italy. He embraced all things Italian, the language, the culture, the country and the food.

Amedeo graduated from LaSalle Academy and attended Rhode Island Junior College. He was employed as a supervisor for Amtrak until his life was forever changed at the age of 26 when he was hit by a drunk driver. He suffered severe brain trauma leaving him partially paralyzed on his left side. He recovered only through the goodness of God, his unfailing optimism and dogged determination. Amedeo refused to accept that there was something he could not do because of his injury. Despite his physical limitations he walked the cobbled streets of ancient Rome, visited the ruins of Pompeii, walked on the beach, swam in the ocean, played pinball and pool one-handed, climbed stairs of the Block Island Ferry, shoveled snow and, refusing to wear Velcro strap shoes, he learned to tie shoelaces with one hand. Amedeo always counted his blessings and thanked God every night for the gift of another day.

Seeking an independent way of life after his injury, in 1982 he returned to his childhood summer haven of Block Island and he never left. He was the door man at the Yellow Kittens and later operated a hot dog cart outside of that establishment. Amedeo also lectured at schools on the dangers of drinking and driving. He served as a board member of the Rhode Island chapter of the National Head Injury Association (now BIARI). He wrote a letter to President George H.W. Bush and as a result was invited by the White House to participate in a work session in Washington, DC on substance abuse and the disabled, led by the Office of Substance Abuse Prevention.

He found his true passion when from 2002 to 2024, he and Christine managed Chapel Sweets, a candy shop on Block Island. With his infectious smile and friendly personality, Amedeo turned patrons into lifelong customers and customers into friends. For many vacationing children, a visit to Chapel Sweets was the best part of their summer vacation. Many returned years later with children of their own. Amedeo found boundless joy regaling customers with stories, jokes and bits of Amedeo wisdom. He will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 19, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 PM in the PONTARELLI-MARINO FUNERAL HOME, 971 Branch Avenue, Providence.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 11:30 AM in The Church of Saint Augustine, 639 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence.

Island residents and friends are invited to attend the graveside committal service on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 9:30 AM in the Island Cemetery, New Shoreham.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Amedeo’s memory can be made to the Block Island Volunteer Fire and Rescue at 10 Beach Avenue, New Shoreham, RI 02807 or https://blockislandvolunteerfireandrescue.org/

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