Albert A. Nannini

Albert A. Nannini of Newport passed away at home peacefully on February 13, 2015 surrounded by close family following an extended valiant battle with ALS. He was the loving husband of Donna Lee (Lewis) Nannini.Al was born on October 29, 1938 in Providence, to the late Umberto "Albert" and Annina "Anna" (Izzi) Nannini. He graduated from Classical High School in 1956 where he served as class president and he then attended Harvard University graduating in 1960. Following Harvard he was commissioned as an ensign in the United States Navy for 6 years of active duty followed by 24 more years as a reservist retiring honorably at the rank of Captain in 1990. Following his retirement he was active in the Newport Council of Navy League of the United States for many years.His professional career included being the General Manager of the former SYSCON in Middletown, which included growing the company from 120 to 250 employees and developing three buildings at the Aquidneck Island Industrial Park. He also worked for the former Hughes Aircraft in Middletown and retired from Raytheon in Portsmouth in 2004. Al was very active in the community as well serving many years on the Middletown Zoning Board and twice running for Town Council. He was an active member of the state Republican Party as well as the Lions Club and the Newport Rotary. Al was a 30-year member of the Newport Yacht Club and loved being on the water whether it be fishing, sailing or later in retirement conducting local bus and water tours. He not only loved doing these activities he was active in getting others involved. He was especially active with the local chapter of the American Red Cross on Aquidneck Island. You would frequently find Al manning the local shelter at the J.H. Gaudet School in Middletown during many a natural disasters.He enjoyed spending time with family and was an avid learner, always intrigued with anything new. In retirement he returned to school, studying German prior to traveling there for multiple weeks. He was constantly engaging the good in life and relished opportunities to share it with others.In addition to his wife, Donna, he leaves two sons, Mark Nannini and wife Pat of Tiverton, and Michael Nannini and his fiance' Susan Weekly of Falls Church VA, a brother, Kenneth Nannini and his wife Gail of Providence, two grandsons, Chris Mulvey of Portsmouth, RI and Anthony "AJ" Nannini of Falls Church, VA, and a great grandson Connor Mulvey of Portsmouth, RI. Al also leaves two step children, William Scott Brailey of Newport and Ashley (Welch) Brailey. In addition he had numerous in-laws including Mary Kathleen Cappuccilli and his constant companion Paul Joseph (PJ) Lewis. He was predeceased by his granddaughter Isabella Nannini. All will miss his enduring guidance in every facet of life.Calling hours will be held at Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport RI from 4:00 - 8:00PM on Monday, February 16. Funeral services will held at 9:00AM in St. Lucy's Church, 909 West Main Rd, Middletown, followed by burial with military honors in St Columba Cemetery, Middletown. In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to the American Red Cross, RI Chapter, 105 Gano Street, Providence , RI 02906. Cemetery Details St. Columba's Catholic Cemetery Brown's Lane Middletown, RI, Visitation FEB 16. 04:00 PM - 08:00 PM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com Service FEB 17. 09:00 AM St. Lucys Church 909 West Main Road Middletown, RI, US, 02842