William T.A. Slinko

Bill Slinko.

Here was a man who would strike up a conversation with anybody.

He was a natural Eagle Scout, belonging to Troop 66. He lived by and often recited Scout Law: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

No surprise, he made friends easily and kept them close and dear.

He loved his wife, Joanne C. (Marshall) Slinko. It was love at first sight, after 41 years of marriage, until his last breath. He loved his dogs, many of them rescues over the years. He was the best dog daddy ever.

He sold his prized Herreshoff 12 ½ foot boat in order to buy a dream car for Joanne. Over the last 22 years he lovingly restored the Porsche 912, recently finishing it in red.

Bill worked at Point Farm for 28 years, wandering in the beauty of nature. He was happiest in the woods, looking at the trees and finding owl pellets to dissect. His collection of skulls from these wanderings included raccoons, coyotes, cows, and assorted birds. These skulls are in his backyard shop: a luminous, cheerful, and well-organized woodshop, with his vast collection of tools, tools, tools.

Renowned for his expertise with all things boat, Bill was an expert sailor, inventive fixes a specialty. A visitor could find him in his driveway, readying Sweet Pea for the water and working on Facey, the crabbing skiff, named for Joanne. Together they loved to row on the Palmer River watching ospreys.

His friends and family will remember with fondness their annual Memorial Day celebration in the backyard, complete with 3 different kinds of homemade beer and delicious food. Sitting under the grape arbor, admiring the unusual garden, everyone making more friends.

William Thomas Aquinas Slinko was born in Providence on November 8, 1961, and lived until April 25, 2026. He passed away after having had a massive and sudden heart attack, at home with Joanne at his side.

As a graduate of Cranston High School West before attending Roger Williams University, he never left the East Bay.

He was the son of the late William F. and Barbara B. (Kiernan) Slinko. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sisters: Mary Elizabeth Slinko of Cranston and Colleen Patricia (Tracy Lyn) Slinko of Goffstown, New Hampshire. He is also survived by his nieces: Shyanne, Paula, and Denise; his nephew Patrick; and his grandnephew, Leo. His brother, Paul Francis Slinko, passed away just five months ago.

He will be deeply missed by all that had the privilege to know him. Sail on, dear Bill.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on Monday, May 11, 4 – 7 PM, at the George C. Lima Funeral Home, 367 High Street.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Friends of Bristol Animal Shelter, 10 Minturn Farm Road, Bristol, RI 02809.

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