Remembering Frank Maroni Dressed up for one of SCM's big fall celebrations a few years ago. R. Frank Maroni, 78, first vice president and ardent supporter of the South County Museum, passed away peacefully on May 2 at the South County Hospital. Frank was a long-time volunteer at the museum, and a board member since 2002. Frank took his responsibility as a board member seriously, often making weekly visits to the museum office and meeting often with board members for various projects. His oft-repeated question was, "What can I do to help?" Frank supported the museum he loved in every way he could, even as his health deteriorated. Calling on his experience as an engineer, Frank worked with landscape designers on the master plan for the museum grounds and organized the memorial brick path project. Frank's visition of South County Museum was one in which visitors learned to appreciate its beautiful and historic site while they learned more about our local history. His generosity, enthusiasm and knowledge will be greatly missed. Frank was known as a great fundraiser. He was a supporter not only of the museum but also of URI. He was a board member of the URI Alumni Association and a winner of the university's Ram Award. He was also involved with such organizations as the Boy Scouts and Knights of Columbus-Dillon Council. Other interests included Rhody Rams basketball, the Red Sox, fantasy baseball and crossword puzzles. Born and raised in Providence, the son of William and Gerturde (Giblin) Maroni, Frank was a resident of Cranston and Narragansett. In 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a Seabee. After his honorable discharge he enrolled in URI, graduating in 1959 with a degree in civil engineering, staying on for post-graduate work. Frank began a lifelong and distinguished career in the construction and building industies working alongside his father and brothers as Maroni Construction. He also served as a senior estimator and executive vice president for such notable building firms as the Gilbane and Perrini corporations. In his later years he established his own construction consulting business, deriving great enjoyment from sharing his knowledge and experience with young men and women, helping them build successful businesses of their own. He not only took pride in his business, but truly relished the friends he made while in business. Over the years, his expertise and reputation led him to such places as Saudi Arabia, Atlantic City, Texas, England, Lebanon, Italy and Singapore. That was where he was quoted as saying, "I never saw a cuisine I didn't like." Frank leaves his wife of 57 years, Frances H. (Corydon) Maroni, his sons, Richard P. of San Diego, Michael D. of Plymouth NH, Mark F. of North Kingstown, Paul D. of Honolulu, David P. of Cranston, Patrick J. of Lincoln, Christopher J. of San Diego, Peter J. of Warwick, their spouses, and his daughters, M. Arline of Cranston, Frances H. Maroni-Havel of Moraga, CA, Elizabeth A. Lavallee of Cranston, and Jennifer M. Jawharjian of Cranston, and their spouses, and eight grandchildren. He also leaves two sisters, G. Joyce Gomes and Amelia Brogden, and a brother, William Maroni. He also was the brother of the late Arnold (Lindy) Maroni. Burial was with military honors in the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery in Exeter.