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 Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, January 26, 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.