Deacon Charles Andrade, of Providence, Passes at 94

Deacon Charles Andrade, of Providence, Passes at 94

Deacon Charles Andrade beloved spouse of 70 years to Patricia A (Oliveira) Andrade returned to the Lord on May 26, 2021. He transitioned peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

Born in Fox Point on October 14, 1926, the fifth child of Antonio M and Celestina G (Silva) Andrade. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings Joseph, Alfred, Justino, Simon, Antonio, Jana, and Edwin.

Growing up in Fox Point he was part of a vibrantly diverse community. He attended Providence schools graduating from Hope High in 1944. Upon graduation, he joined the US Navy and served in the Pacific Arena, honorably discharged in 1946.

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He returned to Providence and worked at various transportation jobs, including Liberty Furniture and the Outlet Co., and was a member of Teamsters Local 251.

In the 1970’s he joined the charismatic community of St Patrick’s Church, served on the Pastoral team, was a prayer meeting leader, and worked as a prison chaplain at the ACI  for four years. 

Around this time the Diocese of Providence had decided to begin a class for the installation of Permanent Deacons and asked Charles to be part of its first class. Initially reluctant, he took this leap of faith and heeded the call.  So, in June of 1976, he was ordained and began a love affair with service to the people of St Patrick’s, the Cape Verdean community, and beyond. His spirit-filled homilies were known for their exuberance and focus on love, always love.

This was not a job, but a way of life that continued after his retirement and through his final days here on earth, where he touched so many with his love, charm, and humor.

True to his roots and claimed by his adopted community he was a member of Fox Point Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame as well as an honorary member of the Sons of St Patrick.

Besides his wife, Charles is survived by his children, Charlene Andrade, Valerie Ward and Christine Andrade of Providence, Kenneth “Woody” Andrade of East Providence and Melanie Andrade of Jamaica Plain, MA; his grandchildren Kirstian Siddiq, Lauren Ward, Hillary DePina, Xavier Andrade and Ashley Andrade. He was also blessed to enjoy his great-grandchildren Evren and Merric Siddiq and Brooke DePina.

The family would like to thank Hope Hospice and in particular his nurse Alissa and CNA Melanie for their support and care. 

Calling hours and services will be at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 21 Traverse Street, Providence.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 2, from 4:00 - 8:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, June 3, at 10:00 am.

Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence.

Mass will be live streamed on Our Lady of the Rosary’s Facebook page

Memorial contributions may be made to: Deacon Charles and Mrs. Patricia A. Andrade Scholarship Fund, One Union Station, Providence, RI 02903 or Hope Hospice, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 would be appreciated.

And Now These Three Remain Faith Hope and Love But The Greatest of These is Love 1 Corinthians 13:13

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Deacon Charles Andrade, please visit the floral store.