REMEMBERING BUDDY: Buddy Cianci laid to rest

February 8, 2016 6:52 am

By Bianca Buono

bbuono@abc6.com

A special send-off Monday morning for former Providence Mayor, Vincent "Buddy" Cianci, as hundreds gathered to pay their respects.

His coffin taken by horse-drawn carriage from City Hall to the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, where a detailed service was officiated by Providence Bishop Thomas Tobin.

The snow didn’t stop family, friends, and fans, from said goodbye to Buddy, the city’s longest serving mayor.

Buddy’s fiance, Tara Marie Haywood, delivered the first reading, followed by his longtime friend Charles Mansolillo, and later, his nephews, Jay and Todd Turchetta.

The speakers remembered Buddy for his political tenacity and undeniable love for the city of Providence.

"Buddy, I hope you’re looking down today with pride knowing that we–that Providence–will never stop caring about you," said former Mayor, Joe Paolino.

Paolino, Buddy’s foe-turned-close friend, reflected on the ups and downs of his life and his ability to overcome whatever he was faced with.

"If there’s just one inspiration to be drawn from Buddy Cianci, the mayor or the man… the grandpa… every time he suffered a tragedy, trials tribulations or tears, he got back up," said Paolino.

Paolino also compared Buddy to several historical greats, saying he had the charisma of John F. Kennedy, Teddy Roosevelt’s love of the spotlight, and Muhammad Ali’s ability to bounce back.

Much like Buddy’s personality, his funeral was big and will certainly never be forgotten.

"Your honor, Mr. Mayor, as you depart this city of man to return to the heavenly city of God, may you, may your soul through the mercy of God, rest in peace," said Reverend Bernard Healy.

If you missed the ABC6 live coverage of Buddy’s funeral mass and procession, you can watch the whole thing on our YouTube page.