Obituary: John Fay, Beloved Teacher

John “Jack“ Fay, cherished and devoted husband of Vivian (Grella) Fay, passed from the arms of his beloved wife and family into the joy of eternal happiness, July 16, 2014.

They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on June 27th. Born in Providence, and raised in Woonsocket, he was a son of the late John Michael and Margaret (Walsh) Fay. He was also the nephew of the late Mary Walsh.

A 1958 graduate of Providence College, Mr. Fay also earned three master degrees, M.A, from URI, M. Ed, (secondary ed.) from RIC and M .Ed, (administration)Providence College. He was a retired teacher and administrator in the Providence School Department

He served as past president of Rhode Retired Teachers Association, past president of Washington County Retired Teachers Association. He was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus, Past Grand Knight, Howes Council, Cumberland, past president, AARP, Cumberland Ancient Order of Hibernians, Newport and St. Francis Council, Knights of Columbus, North Kingstown, where he currently is a member.

Mr. Fay was an avid collector of autographed sports and movie memorabilia and was the owner of Autographed Collectibles, a small business. The Red Sox Nation lost its #1 Red Sox fan. He never lost faith in them, always faithful and hopeful for victory. He was also a devoted New England Patriots Fan. Mr. Fay was also keenly interested in local politics, he ran for local offices in various elections in Cumberland and South County. He was a member of the Cumberland School Committee before moving to South County.

He was a member of St. Kateri Catholic Church in Exeter, RI.

Besides his wife, he is survived by five children and their spouses, Dr. John M., II and Dr. Randi Fay of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Mark A., Esq. and Ann Fay of East Greenwich, Mary Fay Keenan and Dr. John Keenan of East Greenwich, Robert M.(Cumberland Police Dept.) and Tracy Fay of Cumberland, and Kelli Fay-Wolfe and Dr. Victor Wolfe of West Kingston; fifteen adoring grandchildren, Kristen, Kevin, Kyle, Sydney, Allie, Ryan, Caela, Lauren, Eamon, Taylor, Garrett, Logan, Sean, Eric , Casey; and a great granddaughter, Hannah.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am Monday, in St. Kateri Catholic Church, Exeter. Burial will follow St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Visiting hours are at the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield, Sunday, 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers please make donations in his name to: St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Community, 84 Exeter Road, Exeter, RI., 02822 Monsignor Gerard Sabourin, Pastor.