Orlando William Gasperini, 71, beloved father and grandfather, known to all as Lonnie, of Lincoln, RI passed away Monday June 17, 2024.

Born in Rhode Island, he was the son of the late Orlando A. Gasperini and Carmela M. Gasperini (Pellicio), grandson of the late Guerrino Gasperini and Terasa (Eusebi) Gasperini, Italian natives from Pesaro, Italy. He is survived by his five children: sons Tydell, Lonnie and Isaiah, daughters Karen and Annmarie; along with eight grandchildren: Nasavell, Arianna, Carmela, Alexander, Alonzo, Joshua, Abigail and Noah.

Lonnie had three loves in his life: his children, his faith/church, and last but certainly not least, his music. From a young age, he devoted himself to music and the creative arts. Born into a musical family, he started out on the accordion at six years old. He was greatly influenced by his late uncle Tulio Gasperini of Lincoln, RI who was a national virtuoso artist, composer, educator of classic music and a master accordion artist. Another uncle, Bob Pellicio, played drums and sparked his interest in the genre of jazz music. Lonnie would later become a renowned jazz musician in his own right on his cherished Hammond B3 organ. He shared his music and passion for jazz throughout New England and New York City, with frequent gigs in Harlem.

His faith and devotion to Christ loomed large in his life, Lonnie was a lifelong member of The Salvation 220 Ministry in Providence, RI, after being Saved by his great friend, the late Rev. David Hector.

Lonnie always had a smile on his face. There was nothing that he couldn’t do if he put his mind to it. He ran many of his own businesses, from painting houses, waxing cars/ boats, tuning up cars and teaching music to the youth. He was a caretaker for his parents during their final years of life. Some of his favorite hobbies included riding Harley Davison motorcycles with his friends in the summer, going to the beach and spending time with his loved ones.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 from 9:30AM - 10:45AM with a service immediatly following in the Mount Hope Community Baptist Church, 734 Hope Street, Providence, RI. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery in Pawtucket, RI.