Eugene D. Ciffo

Eugene Daniel Ciffo, 76, of Lincoln, Rhode Island, passed away on November 17, 2025, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by, and in the presence of his loving family, all of whom gathered around him in love and support.

Eugene (Gene) was the son of the late Evo and Elda (Montanari) Ciffo. He was born, raised, and for most of his life, resided in Woonsocket, RI, before spending some time in Vermont, and then settled in Lincoln, RI.

In his high school years, Gene found his stride as a wide receiver, pairing natural athleticism with the kind of strength only his mother’s Italian meals could deliver. After he graduated, he was drafted into the Army and sent to Fort Dix for basic training. He served honorably in Vietnam and returned home ready to build his life and career.

A steady hand and strong work ethic, Gene briefly employed his trade skills in masonry and house painting before spending 10 years on the assembly line at General Motors in Framingham as a metal worker. The sudden closing of the plant presented Eugene with the challenge to elevate his career as an iron worker. He was a proud member of Iron Workers Local 37, where he spent the remainder of his working career.

In his younger years, Gene was sociable, witty, and known for his quick one-liners. He frequented local bowling leagues and softball teams when he wasn’t enjoying the company of his local community at the Italian Workingman’s Club. As a father, he coached both of his sons in baseball, spending countless evenings at local fields teaching them the fundamentals of the game and supporting them from the sidelines. He loved taking his sons on summer day trips to Spring Lake, Breezy Acres, and the Pascoag Reservoir, where his uncle, Dino, prepared fresh clam sauce after long days of quahogging in the bay. He especially loved holiday family gatherings, where the Italian dishes prepared by his mother and sisters were the only ones that ever met his standards. Grandpa Gino adored his grandchildren and always looked forward to sharing his love for food with them. Over time, he became more private, finding comfort in the familiar routines of home, sports on television, and keeping a close eye on his favorite racehorses.

Eugene is survived by his sons, Jaime Ciffo and his wife Sarah Grunwell of Jeffersonville, VT, and Keith Ciffo and his wife Tearyna Neang-Ciffo of Warwick, RI; and five grandchildren: Carter, Kathryn, Dana, Ian, Ava, and Isla, who each brought light and joy into his life. He also leaves behind his sisters, Elaine Guernon and her husband, Normand Guernon of The Villages, FL, and Elizabeth McGale and her husband, Steven McGale of Pomfret, CT, along with extended family members who will remember him in their own ways.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, December 16th, at S. DiPardo Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1583 Diamond Hill Road, Woonsocket, RI 02895, from 5:00pm - 6:30pm with a memorial service to follow. Burial will take place on Wednesday, December 17th, 11:00am, at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter, RI. 

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Eugene’s life at the Italian Workingmen’s Club, 947 Diamond Hill Road, Woonsocket, RI 02895, on Wednesday evening, December 17th, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.

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