Buddy Cianci’s family, friends remember him as family man

January 28, 2016 6:37 pm

By: Rebecca Turco

Email: rturco@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Vincent “Buddy” Cianci’s family and those who knew him well remember him as a family man, who was proud of his roots and his city.

"He was all about family and he was all about Providence,” said his nephew, Dr. Brad Turchetta. “He’s going to be sorely missed not only by Providence, but especially his family."

Turchetta grew especially close with his uncle after Buddy got out of prison and came to live with his family while on home confinement. "I got to know a new side of him,” he told ABC6 News. “I got to know the real, intense, family person when I saw him with my kids and I saw him with my whole family, interacting. He couldn’t leave, so he really was a family man. He was the family guy I never saw, so it was the human side of him."

"He cared about Providence and if he ever had a love affair, it was with the people of Providence," friend Joe Paolino said.

The former mayor said he and Buddy weren’t always close. Back when Buddy was mayor and Paolino was on the city council, they butted heads. But over the years, they became confidants, something Paolino is grateful for.

Buddy is remembered for his sense of humor. A man who told it like it is and had a flair for the theatrics.

"His life is very Shakesperian,” said Lynn Singleton. “If William was alive today, he’d be writing about Buddy because [he had] a lot of drama, a lot of tragedy, a lot of successes, a lot of ups and downs.”

Through it all, Buddy always remained true to himself. “He loved his family and he loved Providence and that was his whole life,” Turchetta said. “If that’s the one thing you remember about him, then I think that would keep you happy.”

Buddy is survived by his sister, five nieces and nephews, three grandchildren and fiancée.