Earl W. Hersey

Earl W. Hersey Jr. 79, of Cranston, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026 surrounded by the love and comfort of his family. Born on January 23, 1947, in Providence, Rhode Island, he was the son of the late Earl W. Hersey Sr. and Bridie M. (Callaghan) Hersey.

For over 50 years, Earl dedicated himself to serving the families of Rhode Island as General Manager and Co-Owner of Doric Day Nursery School, a family-owned business founded by his parents in 1949. For generations, the Hersey family provided care and support to children and families throughout the state of Rhode Island.

Earl took immense pride in continuing his family’s legacy. Working alongside his mother, Bridie, and brother, David, he not only helped operate the school, he also maintained its facilities, including the beloved swimming pool used during the summer camp program. A Red Cross Certified Lifeguard and Swim Instructor, Earl held pride in teaching swim lessons and ensuring the safety of every child in his care. Field trips were especially exciting, as he would guide the way to destinations such as apple orchards and pumpkin patches, creating lasting memories for the children. 

Affectionately known as “Mr. Earl,” he could often be found fixing anything in need of repair, organizing the schools popular cookouts, grilling hamburgers and hot dogs, or baking pizza and preparing his famous macaroni for students and staff, including his sister-in-law, Jacqueline. He was deeply cherished and will be greatly missed by the entire Doric Day community.

Earl was a member of the Cranston High School East graduating class of 1964. Following graduation, he attended both the University of Rhode Island and the Massachusetts College of Art and Design before enlisting in the United States Air Force, where he served as a reservist. He was also a proud member of the Rhode Island Air National Guard.

Earl shared endless memories with his family including camping trips to New Hampshire and Hershey Park in Pennsylvania. A frequent traveler, Earl enjoyed visiting tropical destinations such as Cozumel, as well as touring the United Kingdom, including England and Ireland, his mother Bridie’s native land. Over the years, Earl developed a special connection to Florida, where he owned property and eventually built a second home for his family.

Earl will always be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, his ability to brighten any room with smiles and laughter, and his gift for making everyone feel welcome. He was loved by his cousins, childhood friends, and neighbors on Blais Avenue in Cranston. Above all, Earl’s greatest devotion was to his family. He cherished his four children and adored each of his grandchildren. He will be remembered as a protector, a provider, and a steady voice of reason and wisdom.

He is survived by his daughters, Erin Hersey and Kristen Ellinwood Moffat (David); his son, Mark Ellinwood; and was predeceased by his daughter, Melissa Miga (Stephen). He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Gregory and Jocelyn Hersey, Christian and Jacob Lynch, and Paxton and Parker Miga.

Earl is survived by brothers, David Hersey and wife Jaqueline, Sean Hersey and wife Lisa. He also leaves behind his nieces and nephews, Nichole, Sean, Jennifer, Kayla, and Everett Hersey.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday April 9. 2026 at 10:00am in St. Mark Church Cranston.  Visitation will be held prior to the funeral Mass beginning at 8:30 in The Butterfield Chapel.