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In Our Care

George R. Nunes Jr. "Choppy"

9/19/1944 - 1/17/2026

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Obituary For George R. Nunes Jr. "Choppy"

George R. Nunes, Jr., 81, of Swansea, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Fondly referred to as “Choppy” since childhood, he was the husband of the late M. Margaret Maxmean and is survived by Beverly Ruzzo, his long-time companion.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, he was the son of the late George R. Nunes, Sr. and Margaret (Ferrazzano) Nunes who instilled a dedicated and disciplined work ethic through working the land and tending to dairy cows on Nunes Farm in Warren.

Lessons of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance learned on the farm shaped the course of his life and remained evident in everything he did. He served the Town of Warren briefly as a police officer until his entrepreneurial spirit, his agrarian roots, and his love for gardening, landscaping, and the outdoors called him to pursue other paths.

Choppy went on to own and operate a landscaping business, work on a close friend’s farm, and establish a garden and nursery business. He retired from Choppy’s Garden & Nursery in 2009.

Choppy was incredibly social and made friends easily wherever he went. In the early morning, he could often be found at the local coffee shop sharing stories and catching up on the latest news with his buddies. He took a genuine interest in others and was always willing to lend a hand, especially for family.

He is survived by his son, Paul Nunes (partner Michael) of Seekonk, MA; his sisters, Filomena Watson (husband Duncan) and Marcianna Nunes (fiancé Rick) both of East Providence, RI; his nephew, Todd Nunes (wife Rita) of Warren; his niece, Melissa (Nunes) Arnold (husband Paul) of Bothell, Washington; and numerous cousins and friends. He was the brother of the late Gabriel Nunes and brother-in-law of the late Gayle Nunes and Jean Maxmean.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at One Solution Home Care who made it possible for him to remain in his home over the last few years.

Services are with Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Rd., Warren, RI 02885, where the family will receive relatives and guests for visitation on Monday, January 26, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. followed immediately by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St. Mary of the Bay Parish, 645 Main St., Warren, RI. Burial will follow at St. Mary of the Bay Cemetery, Vernon St., Warren, RI.

In lieu of flowers, donations in George’s honor may be made to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 34 Washington St., Suite 230, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 (online at curealz.org).

For directions or tributes, please visit: www.wjsmithfh.com.

Services

26 Jan

Visitation

04:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Smith Funeral & Memorial Services 8 Schoolhouse Road Warren, RI 02885 Get Directions »
27 Jan

Visitation

08:00 AM - 09:00 AM

Smith Funeral & Memorial Services 8 Schoolhouse Road Warren, RI 02885 Get Directions »
27 Jan

Church

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

St. Mary of the Bay Parish 645 Main Street Warren, RI 02885 Get Directions »
27 Jan

Interment

11:15 AM

St. Mary of the Bay Cemetery Vernon Street Warren, Rhode Island 02885 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • 01/21/2026

    Jane Dallesandro

    I can never thank you enough for all you did for my husband throughout his battle with cancer. Perhaps now is the time to reap your reward. And be sure to bring coffee for everyone. Jane D.

  • 01/20/2026

    Pat Grattan

    Paul, Sincere condolences. May your Dad now be free and rest in peace. I pray your memories will all be gentle and good, knowing you were a devoted son. God bless you. Pat Grattan (St. Luke's and Barrington Garden Club)

  • 01/20/2026

    Claire Newell

    Rest easy George and keep dancing in Heaven.🙏❤️ Claire Newell and Eddie Franco

  • 01/20/2026

    Robin Freeman Alcott

    Paul (and Michael). I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. The obituary painted a picture of a very special man who lead a great life. Robin Alcott

  • 01/20/2026

    Patty Correia

    My sincere condolences to all the Nunes family, especially to Paul. While my memories of Choppy are from childhood, I will always remember his kindness and laughter at family gatherings. Love and sympathy to all.

  • 01/19/2026

    Michael Clancy

    I had the pleasure to know Choppy for nearly 40yrs. When I first came to work for the Warren Police Department, Choppy was the guy to know. He truly was the salt of the earth, a real humble gentleman who pulled no punches. Choppy was a very hard worker who was always up at the crack of dawn ready to take on his day. He never seemed to stop and was very willing to help out anyone in need. I'm sad to learn of his passing. My sincere condolences to his family and many friends. Rest easy my brother.

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