Thomas DiPippo

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas J. DiPippo, who departed this life after a short illness on Friday, 30 January 2026. Thomas was born on January 11, 1947, to Helen (Simeone) and Thomas DiPippo in Providence, Rhode Island. Though an only child he grew up amidst the affection of a vast family of aunts and uncles who cherished him deeply.

Acquiring his undergraduate and master’s degrees in education from Rhode Island College, Thomas, a resolute advocate for children and education, served as a teacher and school administrator before retiring as the Director of Federal Programs for the Providence School District. Following his retirement, he continued to contribute to the school system by fulfilling interim roles and overseeing the relocation, opening, and closure of multiple educational facilities.

Raised in the Mt. Pleasant area of Providence, he nurtured a passion for basketball and running, affections he embraced well into adulthood, only ceasing in his mid-seventies due to bad knees. His thrice-weekly pick-up basketball games with lifelong friends remained a thoroughly enjoyed tradition, sustaining friendships that were dear to him until his final days.

Thomas was an environmentalist at heart and a strong advocate for clean living, composting, and energy conservation. His deep affection for animals, embracing both the great and the small, was comparable to that of St. Francis of Assisi or so he was teased. Despite his modest and private demeanor, Thomas was well known for his kindness and generosity toward both humans and animals.

Thomas, a former Army Reservist, is survived by his wife of forty years, Jean (Sperduti) DiPippo, along with many cousins and close friends.

Services will be private as requested by Tom, with entombment at the Mausoleum of SS. Peter and Paul in St. Ann’s Cemetery, Cranston, RI.

In lieu of flowers or condolences, the family encourages those who wish to honor Tom's memory to feed the squirrels and birds that visit your yards, adopt a stray animal, plant a bush that attracts bees, or plant a tree to ensure his legacy endures.