Bennie "Sonny" Washington Jr.

Woonsocket - Bennie “Sonny” Washington Jr, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 in Landmark Medical Center with his family by his side. Bennie lived a remarkable life of 78 years filled with music and the love of family and friends.

Born in Woonsocket, son of the late Bennie Washington Sr. and Katherine (Chaplin) Washington; he was formerly married to Pauline (Harmon) Washington.

Bennie worked in social services for the City of Providence, RI, servicing as the first Executive Director of Challenge House. He also worked for the City of Woonsocket in various capacities relating to social services. He continued  his social service career at the Woonsocket Senior Citizen Center prior to retiring. 

Sonny was an active member of the Tyra Club. He enjoyed singing, playing the guitar, and spending time with his family and friends. Bennie loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and teaching them how to play the guitar. He enjoyed community work, attending and participating in singing events throughout New England. He was also an avid New England Sports fan. 

He is survived by his three children, Corey and his wife Michelle of Woonsocket, James and his wife Sharon of Woonsocket, and Kelly Hudson of Charlotte, NC. Twelve grandchildren, Lucas, Israel, Noah, Ethan, Milaan, Eric Jr., Grace, Koryn, Caleb, Kendall, Eli, and Ava. Two great-grandchildren, Bernadino Jr. and Evangeline. And a host of relatives and friends. 

He was predeceased by his adopted sister, Dorothy Chaplin. 

His Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 10 AM in St. James Baptist Church, 340 South Main Street, Woonsocket, RI  02895. Burial will be in Union Cemetery, North Smithfield, RI. Relatives and friends are invited: Calling hours in St. James Baptist Church are on Friday, May 9th from 5-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, donation in his memory to kidneyfund.org , and or All Nations Church of God In Christ, 531 Fairmount Street, Woonsocket, RI  02895

The S. DiPardo Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. 1583 Diamond Hill Road, Woonsocket, RI  02895 is in charge of the arrangements. 

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