Frederick H. Cilley

Frederick Harry Cilley of Warwick, Rhode Island, was born in Providence, Rhode Island, to the late Ralph Cilley and Gloria J. (Bishoff) Cilley. It was in Providence where he met the love of his life, Joan D. (Cosgrove) Cilley, to whom he was married for 63 years until her passing.

Fred was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving from 1953-1955 during the Korean War Era and stationed in Germany. He carried great pride in his military service throughout his life. He spent his career as a lead shipper in a warehouse at Providence Wholesale Drug, where he was known for his strong work ethic and reliability until his retirement.

In 1960, Fred and Joan built their home in Warwick, where they lovingly raised their family and spent their lives together. That home became the center of countless cherished family memories.

Fred was a quiet, caring man whose life revolved around his family.

He is survived by his loving children; daughter Kimberly A. Malley and her husband Stephen Malley; son William Cilley and his wife Laurie J. Cilley; and daughter Linda D. Merlino and her husband Mark F. Merlino.

He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren; Kayla Cilley, Karyssa Cilley, Shawn Malley, and Erin Malley and three great grandchildren. He was the brother of Ralph Cilley and Nancy Flagg, and was predeceased by his sister, Gloria Jean Bennett and brother, George Cilley.

Fred had a lifelong love of sports and was a devoted supporter of his family, faithfully attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events over the years.

He was also a loyal fan of New England sports teams, especially the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins, and Boston Red Sox, and enjoyed watching games on television.

He and Joan shared the love of camping throughout their marriage, beginning with tents and eventually moving to a pop-up camper. Their family spent many happy summers at Fisherman’s memorial Campground in Narragansett, Rhode Island, and at Sebago Lake State Park in Naples, Maine, where they formed lasting friendships.

Fred was especially proud of his skills as a horseshoe player, earning the title of champion for several years.

On weekends, Fred enjoyed spending time on the water, helping his brother-in-law, Clarence “Bunky” Bennett, on his lobster boat and experience that deepened his lifelong love of seafood. In later years, he looked forward to annual trips with his son to Blount Seafood, which became a treasured tradition.

Fred and Joan also enjoyed traveling together, taking several bus trips across the country, visiting family in California, exploring national parks, and fulfilling a lifelong dream with a cruise to Alaska.

Above all, Fred will be remembered for his quiet strength, his steady presence, and the deep love he had for his family and extended family. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his loving family.

Funeral service Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 12:00 PM in the URQUHART-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, 800 Greenwich Ave., Warwick, RI. Burial will be in Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter, RI. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00AM – 12:00PM.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Rhode Island Veterans Home, 480 Metacom Ave, Bristol, RI 02809

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