George P. "Bing" Fogarty, Jr

Narragansett George P. "Bing" Fogarty, Jr., 87, of Boston Neck Road, died suddenly Saturday afternoon, July 25, 2015, at South County Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Patricia A. (Hanrahan) Fogarty for the past fifty-nine years.Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Anna T. (Tierney) Fogarty.Bing, as he was so well known, began his career at Narragansett Electric Company in 1950. He was elected Secretary of Local 310, Brotherhood of Utility Workers in 1953 and retired as National Organizer/Staff Representative in 2008. Along the way, he served as President, Business Agent, and National Representative, and amazingly never lost an election in 55 years. A tenacious negotiator, Bing was well respected throughout the country as being fair and honest, and was especially known for his quick wit and sense of humor.He served on numerous boards and committees during his career, including the Executive Board of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Rhode Island and the Executive Board of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO. He was recognized by Providence College, receiving the Quirk Institute of Industrial Relations Award for his exemplary contributions to the cause of industrial peace. In 2003, he was inducted into the Rhode Island Labor History Society Hall of Fame. He was an arbitrator for the Rhode Island State Police, Lodge 25 for many years. He served his country proudly in the United States Navy during World War II.Bing was a faithful communicant of Saint Veronica Chapel, a member of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick of South County, the Shamrock Society of North Providence, and served as the Historian for the Sons of Irish Kings.In addition to his wife Pat, he leaves his children, Sheila A. Reilly and her family, Bridget, Molly and David; George P. "Philip" Fogarty, III, and wife Jennifer, and family George P., IV and Jackson; Regina M. Toomey and husband Christopher and family Patrick and Brenna; Brendan J. Fogarty and wife Kathleen and family Brendan J., Jr. and Lauren; Colin P. Fogarty and wife Elizabeth and family Colin P., Jr. and Ryan; Stacia A. Fogarty; and Jeremiah O. Fogarty and wife Cathy and family Declan and Niamh. Beepa, as he was affectionately known, fostered a unique relationship with each of his 13 grandchildren. He was predeceased by a sister, Maryann Fogarty.Bing lived his life in service of others; his friends, his fellow union members, and most especially his family, and that, in and of itself, proved to be a life well lived.The funeral will be held Friday, at 8:30 am, from the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 142 Centerville Road (Rt117) Warwick. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in Saint Veronica Chapel, 1035 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett. Burial, with military honors, will be in Saint Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Visiting hours Thursday, 4:00 - 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to Blessed Sacrament School, 239 Regent Avenue, Providence, RI 02908 in his memory will be appreciated.