Ilidio Contente

Ilidio P. Contente, 85, of Westwood Road, passed away, surrounded by his loving family, on November 9, 2023. He was the husband of Barbara (Barboza) Contente, whom he married in 1963. 

Born in 1938 in Faial, Azores, Portugal, he was the son of Alfredo and Mary (Fialho) Contente. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons Leo (Sandra) Contente of Bristol, Paul Contente of Bristol, Alfred (Susan) Contente of Bristol, and Steven (Kristen) Contente of Bristol; grandchildren Mitchell, Reid, Michael, Nicole, Alaina, Levi, Matthew and great-grandson Cooper. 

Mr. Contente came to the United States with his mother at 10 years old. He was a graduate of Colt Memorial High School. He received his bachelor's degree from Providence College and his master’s degree from Rhode Island College. Although he was first unable to speak English, he began as a math teacher and rose to become the first superintendent of schools for the Bristol-Warren Regional School District and retired in 1993. Earlier in life he was a member of the RI National Guard, later he worked as the director of the East Bay Collaborative, served as the President of Linden Place, and worked in real estate at Century 21. He was a member of the Rotary Club, Santo Christo Society, the Bristol Sports Club, Dom Luis Filipe Society, and the Elks. He was truly an American icon! 

We love you, Dad. 

His funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 14th, 10 AM from the George C. Lima Funeral Home, 367 High Street, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 11 AM at St. Elizabeth’s Church, 577 Wood Street. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. 

Calling hours are Monday, November 13th, 4 – 7 PM. 

Memorial donations may be gratefully made to: Bristol Fire & Emergency Medical Services, P.O. Box 775, Bristol RI 02809. 

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