2024 A Reason to Run

Chief Joseph P. Razza, JPD, ret., 54 passed away peacefully at his home on September 29, 2023 in the arms of his loving wife and surrounded by his adoring family. He was the devoted husband of Mandi (McCavanagh) Razza. Born in Providence, he was the cherished son of Joan (Venditto) Razza and the late Pasco "Pat" Razza.

Joseph was a lifetime resident of Johnston and attended Johnston Public Schools. He was a stellar athlete; notably competitive on the basketball court and football field. He was an All-State football player and was inducted into the Johnston High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and an Associate Degree in Law Enforcement from Roger Williams University. His career began with the Jamestown Police Department in May 1996. He said he "left the picturesque shores of Jamestown for the ever-flowing traffic on Atwood Ave." Although he truly enjoyed the community and respected the residents of Jamestown, Johnston was home. He joined the Johnston Police Department in 1998 and steadily rose through the ranks before becoming Police Chief in 2020. He retired in 2022 due to illness.

Chief Razza was extremely honored to serve as Chief of Police. He was a good listener, a dedicated public servant and a friend and mentor to many. He had a deep dedication and commitment to the safety and well-being of the residents of Johnston. During his 30 year career, Chief Razza received six letters of commendation for excellence in policing, three department ribbons for heroism and a meritorious achievement for seizure of stolen firearms and narcotics. Most recently he was named RI Emergency Management Director of the Year, opening the largest and most productive local Covid-19 vaccination center in the state. He was lead instructor in RI Motor Vehicle Code at the RI Municipal Training Academy and was accepted to the 285th FBI National Academy held in 2021. He also participated in the Police Chiefs Association of Rhode Island and IBPO local 307.

Chief Razza's mantra was integrity. He was devoted to public safety and the community he was sworn to serve and protect. He cared deeply about the quality of life of the residents of Johnston and was proud of the level of service and professionalism the department provides the residents of Johnston. "Working Together - Making a Difference".

Joseph enjoyed spending quality time with his family, friends and colleagues. He loved to entertain and was a generous and attentive host. An avid runner, he could be seen daily running the streets of town. In his downtime, he took meticulous care of his yard which he enjoyed alongside a "good soak" in his hot tub. He also enjoyed going for a ride in his Corvette.

Joseph leaves behind his beloved wife of 20 years, Mandi. He is also survived by his mother Joan, to whom he was a primary caregiver. He leaves behind his sister Karen Rainone and her husband Carl and his extended loving family and friends. He was predeceased by his loyal and faithful companion, Frankie.

Alexander P. Robertson MD, 54, of Barrington, RI passed away peacefully on May 24, 2023, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He was the beloved husband of Michelle (DeRoche) Robertson and proud father of three cherished daughters, Anna S. Robertson of Mashpee, MA, Hope K. Robertson and Katherine T. Robertson of Barrington.

Alex spent his childhood in West Hartford, CT where he was introduced to the medical field at an early age by his father who was an Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon. Following high school, he completed his undergraduate degree at Dartmouth College where he played varsity lacrosse and squash. Alex earned his medical degree at the University of Virginia before completing his residency and Trauma Fellowship at Brown University. He furthered his medical training at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia where he completed a fellowship in spine.

Alex joined University Orthopedics in 2004 as a specialist in Orthopedic Spine Surgery. He was the recipient of the 2022 Excellence in Teaching Award at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University Department of Orthopedics. He also won the award in 2015. This recognition speaks volumes about his exceptional dedication to teaching and mentorship.

Beyond Alex’s professional achievements, he will be remembered for his kind and compassionate nature. He always had a smile on his face and a listening ear for his patients and colleagues. His legacy will continue to inspire us all and his contributions and impact on the lives of countless patients and medical professionals will never be forgotten.

Robert Stuart Shein (1960 - 2023) was diagnosed with Glioblastoma in May, 2022, seemingly out of the blue. He died in October 2023. There's no routine screening, and although in retrospect he might have had symptoms for a while before, no one would have guessed brain cancer. By the time we he was diagnosed, he was acutely ill. He received incredible care at Rhode Island Hospital and came home the day after craniotomy which seemed to completely resect a tangerine-sized mass. After a summer of the standard chemo-radiation and a complete lifestyle change to become more fit, exercise for 5 miles a day and go on a keto diet, his initial scans were clear.

But Glioblastoma cells tend to linger and he had the most aggressive sub-type. Rob's tumor progressed in October 2022. By February 2023, discussions began around ending care. But Dr. Eric Wong devised a different treatment, grounded in basic science, which gave him an unexpected 8 additional months. This time was precious as he had minimal suffering and found peace. He died at home in his sleep in October 2023.

Rob was unlucky in his diagnosis but unusually lucky in how his disease impacted him. The extraordinary attentiveness, patience and care from Dr. Wong and others in his care team literally bought us those extra months for Rob to go on his own terms.