Cumberland,
RET- Fire Chief - Berkeley/Cumberland Fire Districts

Harold W. Audette, 84, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, in Landmark Medical Center, Woonsocket. He was the husband of Dolores M. (Lemos) Audette. They have been married for the past 63 years.

Born in Cumberland, he was the son of the late John and Eleanor (Gagnon) Audette. Harry was a lifelong Cumberland resident.

Harry was an avid outdoors man who shared his love of hunting and fishing with his son, his grandsons, and his great-grandsons. More than anything, Harry's deepest love was of his wife of 63 years, Dolores, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He lived his life with a deep sense of faith, family, duty and honor, and was an example for many.

He was member of the RI Fire Chiefs Association, New England Fire Chiefs Association, the International Association of Fire Chief's, Cumberland Beagle Club, RI Angler's Association, Duck's Unlimited and the NRA, and was also a RI Deputy State Fire Marshal.

Harry was a US Marine Veteran, and also a lifelong parishioner of the Historic St. Joseph Church, Cumberland.

In his later years, he and Dolores wintered in Venice, FL., where they made many new friends.

Harry was a retired Fire Chief of the Cumberland Fire District with unwavering commitment until his retirement in 1999. His remarkable journey in the fire service began in the former Berkeley Fire District, where he embarked on a path, steadily rising through the ranks until he achieved the prestigious position of Fire Chief.

In 1992, a momentous event unfolded as the Berkeley Fire District and the Ashton Fire District joined forces to establish the Cumberland Fire District. Once again, Chief Audette was bestowed with the honor of leading this newly formed entity as Fire Chief. His visionary leadership played an integral role in the modernization of technology and the implementation of advanced tactics within the fire service of Cumberland.

Throughout his illustrious career, Harry exemplified the true essence of a devoted firefighter. His dedication to protecting and serving the community of Cumberland was unwavering, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those he worked alongside and the lives he touched.

Beside his wife, he is survived by his children: Mark H. Audette and his wife Lori-Ann of Cumberland; Robin Boyle and her husband Mark of Cumberland; and Beth Espinoza and her husband Steven of La Jolla, CA. His six grandchildren: Nathan Audette, Ryan Audette, Chelsea Maziarz, Marley Dutcher, Sarah Espinoza an Abigail Espinoza, eleven great-grandchildren: Zion, Zavier, Zakai, Jamison, Jaxson, Quinn, Ellie, Graham, Wes, Mac, and Lilly. His sister Joan Moskalenko of New Hampshire, along with several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late John Audette, and Barbara Truesdale.

Relatives and friend's are kindly invited to Harry's Life Celebration to begin with Visiting Hours on Monday, May 15, 2023, from 4 PM to 8 PM and continuing on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 10 AM in the J. J. Duffy Funeral Home, 757 Mendon Road Cumberland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM in the Historic St. Joseph Church, 1303 Mendon Road Cumberland. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Cumberland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the RI Fire Chiefs Honor Flight Hub, PO Box 28132, Providence, RI 02908, or Alzheimer's Association of RI, 245 Waterman Street #306, Providence, RI 02906.

Online memorial: jjduffyfuneralhome.com