Richard E. Autiello

Affectionately known as “Uncle Dickie” by countless family, friends and acquaintances, he was born in Providence on September 19, 1938 to Antonio and Antonietta (Calvino) Autiello, who both immigrated to the United States from Italy. He lived most of his life in that city whose streets he would one day know better than the back of his hand. He was the youngest brother to Adeline Carbone, Concetta "Tina" Turilli, Alphonse, Anthony, Nicholas and Paride "Pat", all of whom preceded him in death.

After graduating from LaSalle Academy, where his wrestling career doubtlessly prepared him for what life had ahead, he spent his life building a business with his older brothers that became part of the beating heart and soul of Downtown Providence. Four A’s Enterprises is best remembered for the round Gulf station in LaSalle Square and the crucial role they played during the Blizzard of ’78. Together, they achieved the American Dream for which their parents sacrificed so much to make possible.

His work ethic was tireless, and he was fiercely independent. You knew where you stood with him. For almost everyone it was in his good graces, even if the price of admission was at times a clever jab. While he was often the shortest person in the room, his presence always loomed larger than any others. When not at City Auto Body or with his family, he was frequently found at Metacomet Country Club, the Jewish Community Center, his home in West Palm Beach, or his table at Capriccio.

Though his golf game became more labored with age, his ability to keep you on the edge of your seat while telling you a story only grew stronger with time. He did both right until his final hospital admission.

Should he have made his journey among us alone, his life would still have been far richer than many ever hope. But nothing mattered more to him than his family. He leaves behind his beloved sons, Edward (Cheryl), Nicholas (Carol), and Robert (Kathleen) Autiello; his niece Mary Ann and countless other nieces and nephews; two adored great-grandchildren, Charlie and Giovanni. But his deepest and most abiding love was for his wife, Carolyn, who he married in 1961 and remained devoted to until his final day. They shared a mutual devotion so strong that it could only have been forged in the crucible of a life whose highs and lows were lived to their fullest and faced with bravery, wonder and joy.

Though he confronted more than his fair share of adversity, his example of courage and good humor in the face of some of life’s most trying moments is the greatest inheritance he leaves behind.

Although the most engaging eyes that all who met him would ever encounter are now at rest, he lives on in the family that meant so much to him, especially his seven grandchildren in whom he took a greater interest than almost anything else. In name, through Richard. In work ethic, David. In mischief, Talia, and in blatant disregard for rules, Allyssa. Each time that Robert and Santino step up to a tee, the same sun that glistened against his golf clubs will shine in his memory. And every time that Nicholas tells a story that is exaggerated beyond recognition, the divine spark that lit up every room he entered will never fade.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 10:00 AM in Immaculate Conception Church, 237 Garden Hills Drive, Cranston. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at https://www.stjude.org/donate

For online condolences, please visit www.pontarellimarinofunerals.com