William Mark Lombardi passed away peacefully on Monday June 22, 2020, after a 6 year battle against a relentless cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family at his home in Warren, RI. Bill was 60 years old.
 
Born in Providence, RI, he was the son of the late Lester L. Lombardi and Rita (DeBlois) Lombardi.  He is survived by his siblings Lester ( Butch) Lombardi Jr, and his wife Cyndy of Warren,  Judith Lombardi and her partner Gwen Fulton of White River Junction, Vermont, his partner of 10 years, Edward Ticzon of Warren,  his nephew, Nicolas Lombardi and his wife Katie, his grandnephews Will, and Drew Lombardi of Norwell MA and his best friend, Tony Centracchio, who provided endless support and comfort throughout his illness.
 
Bill was a graduate of Warren High School, and attended Flagler College in Florida.  He earned an Associate’s Degree from New England Tech in computer programming. He worked initially in IT at John Hancock in Boston. His love of travel subsequently brought him to the airline industry, where Bill worked as a flight attendant for Buffalo Air, traveling frequently to Ireland, Portugal, and Spain. He later worked as an Operations Manager for Delta Airlines at TF Green airport for many years, and most recently as the Manager of the Marriott Parking facility in Providence until his cancer caused his retirement.
 
Bill fulfilled his love of travel and warm places in the 10 years he and Ed were together. They vacationed multiple times at Disney World in Florida and also, St John in the Virgin Islands. Bill kept up hope to the very end that he and Ed would be able to make one more trip to the warm beaches of St. John that he loved so much.
 
Bill’s real love was writing. He was a prolific author, writing daily and submitting many manuscripts / screenplays for consideration.  He achieved his dream of becoming a published author with the release of his first book, “The Yuchae Blossom” in 2019, published under his pseudonym (Asher Quinn). He was currently working on his next book, “Grace Colony,” an incredibly creative work of science fiction which had been accepted for publication. His illness never allowed for the completion of what was certainly to be his best work.
 
Bill was incredibly funny, and his infectious laughter and bright smile could light up a room.  He had many lifelong friends, who knew the joy of his crazy humor and quick wit. As he battled a virulent and relentless cancer, he never lost his ability to laugh and incredibly maintained hope, even in the most dire stages of his disease.
 
 
Bill was a huge animal lover, once pulling a dog to safety after it had been hit by a car on I-195 at night, kneeling with the animal in the freezing cold until help arrived. The death of even a bug would visibly upset him. He truly valued the life of every living thing he came in contact with. He enjoyed the love of many cats over the span of his life.  His current “kitty kids,” Cherry and Frank, were his constant companions throughout his final months at home.
He had the utmost confidence and trust in his cancer team at Dana Farber, headed by oncologist Dr. Mark Pomeranz. In the final weeks Bill’s care fell to his family and Ed. We were determined to grant his wish to stay at home. Without the help of the RNs & CNAs from Visiting Nurse Home & Hospice, this would not have been possible. They are true angels of mercy.

As per Bill’s wishes, services will be omitted.  A joyous celebration of his life is being planned for later this summer. Donations in Bill’s name can be made to The Warren Animal Shelter (Warren RI) or Visiting Nurse Home & Hospice, 1184 East Main Rd. Portsmouth RI 02871.
 
Arrangements by SMITH FUNERAL and MEMORIAL SERVICES.
www.wjsmithfh.com