Melissa L. DeCarvalho

Melissa Lee DeCarvalho 37, of Post Road Warwick passed away peacefully on March 14th at Home Hospice of Rhode Island after battling breast cancer for the past two and a half years. She was employed by the State of Rhode Island as a DCYF social worker II and worked part time at BridgeMark as a substance abuse counselor. Melissa was the companion of John Darigan. She was born on September 6, 1981 in Providence to parents Jose DeCarvalho and Bethany Jones. Melissa grew up in the city of Providence, mostly residing in Federal Hill as a child and late teenager. Melissa was a graduate of The Community College of Rhode Island, and Rhode Island College graduating in May 2011 with a Bachelors Degree in Social Work. Besides her companion and parents, she is survived by her dog Nikko, who was like her son, brothers Joseph Decarvalho and Michael DeCarvalho, sister Shelia DiBenedetto, cousin and lifelong best friend Melonie DiMartino, nieces and nephews, Elizabeth, Caleb, Makaila (Kay), Brianna"Doopa", Logan "Logie Bear", Jovannie, Santiago, Ava, Lorenzo, Avantea, and Amire. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Melissa loved spending time with her friends and family, especially all of her nieces and nephews. Melissa had a passion for helping people and absolutely loved her job as a social worker and drug counselor. She worked countless hours and always said "it doesn't seem like work, when you love what you do". Melissa always cared for everyone and was such a loving soul. She was the most generous person, and would go out of her way to help anyone. Melissa loved music, watching her crime investigation shows, and we can't forget about her soap opera "Days of our lives". Melissa found joy in the little things like countless trips to Wal-Mart, and shopping at the mall. Melissa always had her nails done, and enjoyed going out to eat at some of her local favorites: Kings Garden, Twin Oaks, Meritage, and Uncle Tony's pizza and pasta to name a few. She loved traveling to Georgia and taking cruises to the Caribbean Islands. Visitation will be held on Sunday March 17th from 2:00-5:00pm in The Butterfield Chapel 500 Pontiac Avenue Cranston. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 5:00. In lieu of flowers donations to the Lifespan Cancer Center would be appreciated. https://giving.lifespan.org/LCI.