Arabella “Bella” Narciso Melucci, 98, passed away peacefully Sunday October 13th, surrounded by her loving family. Born May 25, 1926, in Providence, RI to Italian immigrants, she was first generation Italian American, a daughter of the late Antonio and Palmira (Narciso) Melucci.
She is survived by her nephews, Anthony C. Azar and his wife Dawn, Louis E. Azar, Jr. and his wife Patty, niece Paula Wilson and her husband Brian, nieces Priscilla Azar, Patricia Azar, and Pamela Azar. She also leaves behind a great niece, Surrey Houlker, and great nephews Alex Azar, Richard Wilson, David Wilson and Donny Azar. Arabella is the sister to the late Marie A.J. Azar, sister-in-law to the late Louis E. Azar, and aunt to the late Richard E. Azar.
Arabella attended Veazie Street Elementary School and graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1944. She earned her Associates Degree of Accounting from Bryant College in 1987, and retired as an accountant from the State of Rhode Island, Department of Human Services in 1986. Arabella spent many years as a volunteer with the VITA tax program at the Cranston Senior Center and the John Hope Settlement House. She was a long-time resident of the Beneficent House in downtown Providence, and member of the Hamilton House where she enjoyed Shakespeare and Italian club. She was a world traveler and spent much time in Italy visiting relatives and friends. She was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church, where she was christened, and where she received her first communion and confirmation. Arabella‘s caring spirit was evident through her years of support of numerous charitable organizations.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am Friday October 18th at St Ann Church, 280 Hawkins Street, Providence. Burial will follow in St. Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who wish to can donate to their favorite charity in Arabella’s memory.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Arabella Narciso Melucci, please visit our Tree Store.
