Sheila A. (Rameika) DeNinno, age 73, of Warwick, passed away Tuesday, August 12, 2026, with her family by her side. She was the wife of Peter J. DeNinno to whom she had been married for the past 44 years. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, she was the daughter of the late Vincent and Jane (Williams) Rameika.
A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, she served her country during the Vietnam War era from 1973 to 1977, rising to the rank of Sergeant. Her military career was marked by service, courage, and dedication. As a flight medic and surgical urology specialist, she cared for those who served alongside her and took responsibility for helping others through some of their most difficult moments. The skills and compassion she developed during her military service stayed with her throughout her life and became an important part of the work she continued when she returned home.
She was a graduate of Warwick Veterans Memorial High School, Class of 1973. She earned an associate degree from the Community College of Rhode Island and later a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Rhode Island College. She devoted many years to serving others as a social worker for the State of Rhode Island, local nursing homes, and St. Mary’s Home for Children, retiring in 2015. In the early 1980s, she and her husband also owned and operated a small health and wellness store in Warwick.
She was smart, fiercely independent, endlessly curious, and adventurous. She possessed an extraordinary depth of knowledge. She was an avid reader and had a deep fascination with history. She unapologetically lived her life on her own terms, and the confidence to be exactly who she was. She believed deeply in the value of love, equality, and compassion. Her family was her greatest treasure, and the time she shared with them meant the most to her. Her life was not without its challenges, but through every difficult season, she continued forward with remarkable strength and resilience. Her faith in Jesus gave her comfort and hope, and she carried that faith with her throughout her life.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughter, Ashley DeNinno of Warwick; her son, Mikael DeNinno, and his wife, Kelsey, of East Greenwich; her sister, Heidi Warner, and her husband, Raymond, of Warwick; two granddaughters, Olivia White and Layla DeNinno; and many nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Bruce Rameika.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 142 Centerville Road, Warwick, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. The burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory of her passion to; Sisters of the Poor; 964 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860 or Providence Rescue Mission 627 Cranston Street, Providence RI 02907.
