Michael F. Reynolds, Sr., of North Providence, passed away March 18, 2016. We know that obituaries are often about the achievements of the deceased person, but let us tell you a bit about the man we called, “Mike”, “Dad”, “Papa”,” Pop”, and “Papa Mikie”. He was fiercely in love with his wife Lillian, and very proud of their 4 children, 9 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren with another soon to arrive, that he would have loved to have met and held. He was happiest when his entire family was together. He considered himself rich in family, and
loved every minute spent with them. We were his pride and joy.

Second to family, was his devotion to his faith. He was a daily communicant who prayed the rosary with dedication. In fact, rosary beads and prayer books were never far from him, as they could be found in every pocket of his pants, shirts and jackets.

Born in Providence, in 1936, he graduated from St. Raphael Academy in Pawtucket and attended
the University of Miami from 1955-1958, where he was active in extracurricular activities and a member of the Phi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

He was quick with a joke and could tell a good story, as he had many of them, due to his years as a United States Deputy Marshal, which he was appointed to serve by President Kennedy in January of 1965 until October of 1986. During his tenure he received many awards for excellence and outstanding performance. He was key in the development of the Witness Security Program; and was the first appointed US Deputy Marshall assigned to be a sky marshal in the early 1970’s. After his retirement from the Federal Government, he worked for the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, BCI Unit and for the Superior Court of Rhode Island. He was also a Steward of Sons of the Irish Kings, Member of the Shamrock Society and served on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers of Rhode Island.

He was one of eleven children. His parents were the late former Mayor of Pawtucket, Charles F. Reynolds and Sarah J. (Salisbury).

He is survived by his wife Lillian; daughter Elisa & Joseph Pagliarini, daughter Sandra & Raymond Lee; son Retired Lieutenant Rhode Island State Police Michael Jr. & Donna Reynolds and daughter Mary Warburton. Granddaughter Victoria & Kevin Dowling, grandson Christopher & Stephanie Pagliarini; Rhode Island State Police Trooper Michael & L’Oreal Reynolds III; grandson Richard & Heather Pagliarini; grandsons Andrew Reynolds and Thomas J. Pagliarini, Esq.; granddaughters Sarah Reynolds & Olivia Warburton and grandson Jack Warburton. Great grandchildren Isabel & Lilliana Reynolds, and Elliana & Ezra Pagliarini. He is also survived by his sisters, Sarah “Sally” DeSimone, Lynn Slowinski, Jane Andrews and brother J. Howard Reynolds whom were the recipients of many of Mike’s practical jokes. He is predeceased by six brothers; Dana, Peter, Charles Jr, James, Joseph and Paul Reynolds.

To those in his immediate family he was invincible and we cannot believe he’s gone. Thanks to the many, many people who over the years and last few days have shared with us, countless stories of his selflessness. Your memories of Mike have provided us with an added measure of comfort.

Mike’s immediate family invites all friends and relatives to calling hours Tuesday evening, March 22nd at JF Skeffington Funeral Home located at 925 Chalkstone Ave, Providence between the hours of 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A celebration of his life will be held Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at Saint Thomas Church at 10:00 am followed by a burial service at Saint Francis Cemetery located at 202 Smithfield Ave, Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Saint Thomas Food Pantry located at 65 Fruit Hill Ave, Providence, Rhode Island 02909

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J F Skeffington Funeral Home
925 Chalkstone Avenue
Providence, RI 02908
401-331-3900