Melissa G. Vaccaro

Melissa G. (Clabby) Vaccaro, 81, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on May 5, 2020 after a brief illness. She was born in Providence, RI on September 3, 1938 and was the only child of the late Thomas and Eileen (Larkin) Clabby. Melissa graduated from St. Xavier High School in 1956 and attended Rhode Island School of Education after high school. She was employed by the State of Rhode Island for many years before retiring.

In the summer of 1956, this witty Irish Catholic woman met the love of her life, Joseph V. Vaccaro Sr., during the Bristol 4th of July festivities. They were married on February 7, 1959 and made their home in Bristol. Melissa was the heartbeat of her family and her family was the center of her life. She leaves behind her cherished husband Joseph and six children: Melissa DuPont (Peter), Joseph Vaccaro Jr. (Lori), Thomas Vaccaro (Kelly), Jennifer O’Connell (Richard), Julia Jordan (Douglas), and Kathryn Oliver (Michael). Melissa was adoringly known as Grammy to her sixteen grandchildren: Crystal, Michelle, Joseph V., Brad, Joseph S., Holly, Scott, Victoria, Emily, Marissa, Sarah, Audrey, Luke, Abigail, Andrew, and Allison and her seven great-grandchildren: Anthony, Aidan, Noah, Ian, Ashton, Audrey and Brayden. She also leaves behind her beloved in-laws Francis, Carmela, and Kathleen Vaccaro, as well as, many dear nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her son-in-law Peter DuPont and brother-in-law Pasquale Vaccaro.

Melissa enjoyed life to the fullest and this was made evident by the many family parties she hosted and her unforgettable laugh. She especially enjoyed planning camping trips every summer with her family, cousins, and friends. The camping trips created lasting treasured memories for everyone. She was an animal lover and avid reader, and spent her days reading in her chair with her faithful dog Belle by her side. Melissa opened her heart and home to all making those who entered feel like a part of her family. She was warmly known as Mrs. V. by her children’s friends, and many of her grandchildren’s friends adopted her as their own and called her Grammy. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her. We would like to thank Hope Health for caring for our mother during her illness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rogers Free Library and the Bristol Animal Shelter. A celebration of life will be planned in the future.

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