"Sorry to the Narodowy family. He was a great man!"
In loving memory of
David R. Narodowy
January 11, 2022
David R. Narodowy, 88, of North Smithfield, died January 11, 2022 at Rhode Island Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Rachel (Branchaud) Narodowy, whom he married June 15, 1957 in Holy Family Church, Woonsocket. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late Russell and Nora (Oseicki) Narodowy.
David was an Army veteran, serving during the Korean War. He was a graduate of Northeast School of Broadcasting. David worked for the former WWON and the Palmers, (now WOON) as the "Voice of Woonsocket" for 30 years, where he founded the "Coffee AN'" show and the "Sounds of Sinatra", a weekly hour dedicated to his favorite crooner. He met his wife, Rachel, at Kappa Beta Gamma on Main Street, Woonsocket, and would later go on to own the Village Haven Restaurant with her in 1977. David was a man of strong faith, and was a communicant and CCD educator at St. John the Evangelist Church, Slatersville. He was an original co-founder and voice of the Autumnfest and he served as past president of the Woonsocket Rotary Club. After his radio days, he worked at RIARC as the Public Relations Director for five years then became the co-founder (with Pauline Allard) of the Rhode Island chapter of MADD and spent thirteen years as the Executive Director.
He enjoyed many years of golf and softball, traveling to Aruba with Rachel, crossword puzzles, and watching sports, especially the New York Yankees. David's incredible ability to speak reached far beyond his career in broadcasting - he always knew just the right thing to say. Whether he was attending a wake, hosting a MADD Candlelight Vigil, describing a fire for radio listeners or just giving a Thanksgiving blessing for his family, his words were remembered and his honest, heartfelt emotion was felt by every audience. He was generous and kind to everyone he served, especially his family. He inserted humor and joy whenever he could, even just leaving a simple note for Rachel. He especially loved a corny pun, despite the eye-rolls, even if he was the only one laughing.
Besides his wife, Rachel, he leaves their children, Wayne Narodowy, and his wife, Gail, Neil Narodowy, and his wife, Donna, Glenn Narodowy, and his partner, Kristin DeCataldo, Gary Narodowy, and his wife, Louise, Dean Narodowy, and his wife Sue, Donna Mowry and her husband, Jeff, and Audrey Crozier, and her husband, Jasen, all of North Smithfield; two sisters, Rita Sperrazza of North Smithfield, and Nancy LaBarre of Smithfield; 13 grandchildren, Megan, Alexander (Brianna), Nicholas, Laura, Connor, BriAnna, Abbey, Ellyn, Dylan, Riley, Alyssa, Sadie and Jack. He was predeceased by his sister, Eileen Von Sprecken.
His funeral will be held Monday, January 17, 2022 at 10:30 AM from the Holt Funeral Home, 510 South Main St., Woonsocket, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 AM in St. John the Evangelist Church, 63 Church St., Slatersville, or may be viewed live at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/2231974371 Burial will follow in the parish cemetery with military honors. Calling hours are Sunday from 1-4 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to Evan's Crew Pan-Mass Challenge: http://profile.pmc.org/TE0051 or send check payable to Pan-Mass Challenge, 23 Leonard Drive, Harrisville, RI 02830 and put Evan's Crew in the memo or to the Little Sisters of the Poor, Jeanne Jugan Residence, 964 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860.
www.holtfuneralhome.com
Tributes
"Dear Narodowy Family, We are so very sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers."
"Dear Rachel and Family, Dave?s Funeral Mass was a testament to him and his wonderful family. May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you. Lou ?Porky? Provost and Phyllis "
"Deepest and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family Rachel! Meredith Holt Cassick "
"Naradowy Family, We are truly sorry for your loss. He was such a role model for all of us."
"Rachel and Family Wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time. My deepest sympathy. Cynthia Jones"
"RACHEL AND Family PLEASE ACCEPT OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY ON THE PASSING OF DAVE Dave was respected and admired by so many people in the media and the community. He was incredibly successful in every aspect of life but I'm sure that what he was most proud of was the beautiful family you and he raised together.. That will be the Naradowy legacy that will live on forever. I think of how much Gary and Wayne helped us over the years. They are the best. Your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers May God bless and RIP David. Jim and Sheila Hagan"
"Dear Rachel & family, you are in our hearts & thoughts at this most difficult time! Praying that special memories of a wonderful man will help support each of you! Love, Don, Diane & Amanda Champagne & family"
"Bob&Rachel Durand Gary and family, so sorry to hear about your Dad?s passing. our thoughts and prayers are with you, may he Rest in Eternal Peace..??????"
"Dear Rachel and family?. We extend to you and yours our deepest and heartfelt sympathies on the loss of your beloved Dave. Sending prayers that God will give you strength to help all of you get through the days ahead at this difficult time. Shirley Girard and family."
"Roger & Teel Greenough Rachel and family, Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. It was always a pleasure to speak to Mr. Narodowy whenever we saw him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. "
"Dear Rachel and the entire Naradowy Family, Please accept my deepest condolences in the loss of this wonderful man, a pillar of both North Smithfield and Woonsocket. May he Rest In Peace and may your memories bring you comfort."
"Rachel and family?Celebrating the life of a wonderful man. Dave was a man who touched so many lives?with his wisdom, intelligence and sense of humor. He will surely be missed by family, friends and community. To have known him, is to have loved him. "
"Marcel and Jocelyn Labrecque Rachel, Gary and family , our deepest sympathy for your sudden loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May he rest in peace in God's kingdom."
"Rachel & Family....the family Patriarch and local icon gone but never forgotten. His legacy will live on through his children and grandchildren; there can be none greater. RIP time Dave and thank you for your lifetime of service!"
"Our hearts go out to all of the Narodowy family. So glad to have known Dave, a kind & gentle man. We wish you peace & comfort in the days to come. Love, Jean & Tom Farrah"
"Fond memories of Dave. His unique sense of humor would always sneak up on you. Deepest sympathies to his loved ones."
"Deacon Bob and Diane Lafond, Dave was indeed a very special man. May the light of Christ shine upon him and may he rest in peace. Prayers for all the family."
"Oh the memories Little League Senior League my dad ,Lou Berthod,Al Stevenin, Harold Monroe, Bob Cahill ...and the loyal supporter of North Smithfield Athletics and devout family man to his wife Rachel, and kids and the extended family...and supporter of N orth Smithfield...You join a great bunch of people up with the heavens and in the hands of God... our condolences from all of us in the Lafleur Family."
"Dave was a kind and wonderful person. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. He will be greatly missed but fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him."
"Rachel, Wayne and family, my deepest sympathies for your loss. May he Rest In Peace ?"
"To Rachel and the family: deepest sympathy on the passing of Dave. Such a wonderful father for a great family. May you all support and comfort each other at this time. "