The Honorable Victor Joseph Beretta

The Honorable Victor J. Beretta, Sr. passed away at his home in Naples, Florida, on January 23, 2021, at the age of 92. His loving wife of 67 years, Dolores (nee Cottrell) was by his side when he passed.

Victor was born on July 17, 1928 to Victor R. and Chiara Beretta of Providence. He attended Windmill Street Elementary, Samuel Slater Junior High School, and Pawtucket West Senior High School. He was a graduate of Providence College, with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and Boston University Law School, where he earned a Juris Doctorate. While in law school, he met Dolores, the love of his life, and they married on June 13, 1953. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1955, serving as an Administrative Specialist until his discharge in 1957.

Victor was admitted to practice law by the Rhode Island Bar in 1957. He served as a Clerk to Justice Thomas J. Paolino of the Rhode Island Supreme Court from 1958 to 1959. He was an Associate with the Providence law firm of Arcaro, Bellilove and Koledney from 1960 to 1966. In 1966, he was appointed City Solicitor for the City of Pawtucket by Mayor Robert F. Burns. In 1972, he was sworn in as Associate Justice of the Rhode Island District Court by Governor Frank Licht. He was on the bench for 25 years.

Victor also served as president on numerous boards, including the Equitable Credit Union of Pawtucket; the Parish Counsel of Saint Maria Goretti Church; the Fox Hill Lane Association of Franconia, NH; the North Farm Homeowners' Association of Bristol; and the Windstar Board of Directors of Naples, FL. Additionally, he was Rhode Island State Chairman of the National Institute of Municipal Law Officers and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Apart from his many professional and civic duties, he was a loving husband, dedicated family man, and an avid tennis player, skier, golfer, and boater. He was an active club tennis player and member of the USTA well into his 80s. Among his other pleasures was spending time in the White Mountains in New Hampshire, vacationing and skiing with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

In addition to his beloved wife, Victor leaves behind his six devoted children, Lisanne (Hans-Christian Ritter), Victor, Jr. (Dayna), Lili, Maria, Melissa (Jean Labrecque), and Melinda (Bruce Namenson); nine loving grandchildren, Giana (Isaac), Zach, Michael (Emily), Gabrielle, Max, Jacob, Hannah (John), Noble, Juliette; and his great grandson, Cayden. Victor is also survived by his two brothers, Aldo (Elaine) and Raymond (Joan), many nieces and nephews, and countless dear friends and associates.

He is sadly missed and will be in our hearts and thoughts forever.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday, July 17th, 10 AM at St. Mary of the Bay Church, 645 Main Street, Warren.  Burial will follow in North Burial Ground, Bristol.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Mentor RI -  http://mentorri.org/

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