‘Icon’ Cianci remembered in hometown

Former Providence mayor, called ‘larger than life,’ to be buried in Cranston cemetery

By Daniel Kittredge
Posted 2/3/16

By DANIEL KITTREDGE

Vincent A. “Buddy” Cianci Jr. will be remembered as a towering figure in the history of Providence, but his roots lie – and his influence remains strongly felt – in …

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‘Icon’ Cianci remembered in hometown

Former Providence mayor, called ‘larger than life,’ to be buried in Cranston cemetery

Posted

By DANIEL KITTREDGE

Vincent A. “Buddy” Cianci Jr. will be remembered as a towering figure in the history of Providence, but his roots lie – and his influence remains strongly felt – in Cranston.

The two-time former mayor of the state’s capital city, who passed away last week at age 74, was born and grew up in Cranston’s Laurel Hill section. Next week, after he lies in repose for two days at Providence City Hall, he will be buried in St. Ann’s Cemetery, not far from his childhood home.

Cianci leaves a complex legacy, one marred by corruption and crime, but also brightened by civic achievements and charitable endeavors. Over the years, thousands of Rhode Islanders heard his voice on the radio and watched him on television. Countless more will carry on their memories of meeting a man who became a singular personality in the state’s history.

After Cianci’s death, Mayor Allan Fung ordered the city’s flags to be lowered to half-staff. In an official statement, Fung called Cianci a “true Rhode Island icon who was larger than life.”

“Most Rhode Islanders, including me, [have] our own ‘Buddy’ story,” the statement reads. “Most importantly, he touched many individuals and was always willing to give of himself to many worthy charitable causes. We will never forget his life fully lived. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.”

Fung on Monday recalled first meeting Cianci as a boy growing up in Providence, when the late mayor would attend little league games.

“That’s one of the memories that always stuck out for me,” he said.

Fung said later, as he began his career, Cianci “took a liking to me, and visa versa.” He found Cianci to be “very knowledgeable, very studious,” in contrast to the off-the-cuff public persona many saw.

“He’d offer advice…I’ll miss him calling me ‘kid,’” the mayor said.

In his own statement, Michael Sepe, chairman of the Cranston Democratic City Committee and a candidate for mayor, recalled his relationship with Cianci and the ties between their families.

“Buddy Cianci will be missed deeply by many, myself included,” the statement reads. “I have fond memories of growing up with Buddy. Our parents were close, and as kids we hung out at Buttonwoods together, during the summer months. He went on to become one of the great mayors of Providence, who brought energy and vitality back to the city. I am proud to have known Buddy, call him friend, and will miss him along with so many Rhode Islanders.”

Sepe last week recalled first meeting the future Providence mayor at a pre-Fourth of July celebration.

“Buddy used to be able to light the salutes, because we were too young,” he said with a laugh.

Sepe remembers working at the state Board of Elections in 1974, when Cianci launched his successful bid to unseat Democratic Providence Mayor Joseph Doorley Jr.

“I couldn’t believe it when a young, Republican, Italo-American beat Doorley,” he said.

Sepe said he saw Cianci recently while dining at Antonio’s, and the men laughed over childhood memories. The two belonged to different political parties, but Sepe said of Cianci, “I think he had as many Democratic friends as he did Republican friends.”

While acknowledging Cianci’s “difficulties,” he said the late mayor’s leadership has had a lasting, positive impact on the capital city.

“I think he was a great mayor…His most lasting contribution is rebuilding the city of Providence,” Sepe said.

Michael Traficante, former Republican mayor of Cranston and current citywide representative on the School Committee, also grew up in the same neighborhood as Cianci.

Traficante was two years older and recalled that Cianci – the son of a successful doctor – could at times be a “spoiled brat.” Cianci’s home, he recalled, had the only pool in the neighborhood, and in the summer the local children would ask if they could swim there.

“Sometimes he’d say no, and we’d jump in anyway,” Traficante recalled with a laugh.

Regardless, Traficante said the two had a “great relationship.”

“We got along quite well in the old neighborhood…It was a good time to grow up,” he said.

Traficante and Cianci both served in the military and went on to become involved in politics. The men maintained a “very good relationship” as fellow mayors, Traficante said.

“He was relentless. When Buddy made up his mind to do something, it was going to get done, hell or high water. He had a personality that was bigger than life,” Traficante said. “In my opinion, he put Providence on the map.”

Carlos Lopez, Fung’s chief of staff, recalled Cianci as a “friend and mentor.” He also remembers meeting Cianci as a child, when his father ran a soccer league for Latino youth.

Lopez worked as an intern for Cianci while attending the University of Rhode Island and then worked in the mayor’s office from 1993 to 1998. Part of his role was reaching out to the capital city’s growing Latino community.

“[Cianci] was way ahead of his time on those things,” he said.

Lopez said he earned his “PhD in politics” during his time working for Cianci and that the experience also prepared him well for law school.

“He helped mold me into the successful person that I have become,” Lopez said. “Love him or not, no one can deny that he loved Providence with all of his heart. I am proud to have served him and the people of Providence during my career.”

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