Hundreds attend Buddy’s funeral mass

February 8, 2016 5:49 pm

By: Rebecca Turco

Email: rturco@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Vincent “Buddy” Cianci’s funeral brought together a wide range of people to pay their respects.

Hundreds of people gathered in Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral for the funeral mass. It was like a “who’s who” of Rhode Island politics, including Governor Gina Raimondo, former Governor Edward DiPrete, U.S. Congressman Jim Langevin and Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza.

"He loved the city and he sacrificed a lot for the city, and certainly that’s one thing that unites all mayors," said Elorza.

Family and friends remember Buddy beyond his accomplishments, as a caring man. "There was that friendship, loyalty and compassion that he had, not only for members of his staff but people in the neighborhood, the elderly,” explained Cianci’s former staff member Paul Campbell. “Those stories I hope will be told when history starts to judge Buddy Cianci."

Others who didn’t know Buddy personally felt compelled to pay their respects. "I’m so proud of all of the things he did for the city of Providence," Bella Livia of Providence told ABC6 News.

"Everybody loved him,” said Donna Folcarelli of Johnston. “He was so charismatic and he could speak at the drop of a dime."

Some notable politicians missing from the funeral mass include U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Senator Jack Reed and U.S. Congressman David Cicilline. Whitehouse was U.S. Attorney at the start of the investigation that ultimately brought Buddy down, while Cicilline won the mayor’s office after Buddy was sent to prison.