James E. Derentiis

James "Jimmy" DeRentiis, 72, passed away peacefully at his home in Wellington, FL surrounded by his closest family and friends on Wednesday, August 25th after succumbing to his battle against leukemia. Jimmy was born on June 25, 1938 in Providence, RI. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Vincenzo and Elizabeth DeRentiis and his sisters – Dorinda "Dottie" Mosca and Norma Casale. He is survived by his wife, Dawn Marie DeRentiis and, as an avid animal lover, their four legged, furry and feathery family. His surviving sisters are Olga Barry of NV, Jessica Palleschi of RI, and Alva Imbeault of FL. His children are James DeRentiis, Jr. of Providence, Lori Baker of North Kingston and Wendy Simione of Providence. In addition, he has a son-in-law, Brett Smiley, three grandchildren – Joshua, Brendan and Donovan, an aunt, uncle and many cousins, nieces, nephews and wonderful friends. In the spirit of the old west and independent ways of the American cowboy, Jimmy began his career as a horse farrier. Coupling his blacksmith skills with his knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of a horse's lower limbs, he designed and patented a horseshoe that prevented standing leg lameness. He sold the patent and created The Foxy lady of Providence, RI and then its subsequent sister clubs in Massachusetts. With an eye for great design and an interest in building, he was the mastermind behind his home and barn in Foster, RI and then his true masterpiece – Warm Wind Farm in Wellington, FL which he built for his wife, Dawn. His love of horses inspired the 16 stall facility on 6 acres in the center of Florida's International Equestrian Community. Jimmy's Memorial will take place on Saturday, September 25th, 2010 from 4pm – 6pm at the Palms West Funeral Home, 110 Business Park Way, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411. For out of town guests, convenient accommodations can be found with Hampton Inn & Suites, 2155 Wellington Green Drive, Wellington, FL 561-472-9696. In addition, a mass will be said in his honor on September 18th at 10am at Our Lady of Mercy, 65 3rd Street, East Greenwich, RI. Jimmy was an amazing man with a generous heart and indomitable spirit. He will be missed.