John Cosmas Minichiello

John C. Minichiello, age 65, of Providence, RI passed awaypeacefully on December 4, 2020 from complications of ALS. Born April 11, 1955 in Nyack, New York, John was the son of Robert and Mary (Silvi)  Minichiello. He is survived by his father, his sisters Constance (and Brent), Antoinette (and Brian), Francesca, Maria, and Ginetta, and his brothers Robert, Michael (and Bill) and Charles (and Karen). He is also survived by five nieces and nephews, many cousins, friends, and colleagues, as well as his former spouse and best friend, Mark Gardino of Providence. After living in New York City and then White Plains, NY, John moved to Providence, RI in 2002. For many years and until just weeks before he passed away, he was the Rare Book Digitizing Specialist of maps and books at the John Carter Brown Library of Brown University. He was beloved by his Library colleagues for his expertise in the department, as well as his humor, his great stories, his passion for classic films, and his deep commitment to collegiality. John also owned J. Cosmas Vintage Photography, a thriving business where he bought and sold fine, collectible vintage and antique photography. This fueled his life-long love of reading both fiction and nonfiction, research, and the hunt for any information or history related to an old book or photograph. As a result, he had an almost encyclopedic knowledge about subjects that interested him. When it came to his home, John enjoyed gardening more than anything and he lovingly maintained his beautiful flowers. He loved nature in general, with a special affection for birds, and he could talk about the weather like a professional. He was always keenly aware of and took pleasure in the passage of the seasons, the light of day, or a full moon at night. And he loved a good martini! Delightfully irreverent, ever cheerful, generous, and intelligent, John was a dearly loved son, brother and friend. While he will be greatly missed by his family and friends, John will remain in our hearts forever. Due to Covid-19 restrictions a memorial service will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: ALS Association, Rhode Island Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/yy3kkar7 or to a non-profit of your choice. Arrangements by the J.F. Skeffington Funeral Home 925 Chalkstone Av Providence RI.

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