DAV Folcarelli Chapter, auxiliary install officers

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Even at age 85, Gilbert Anthony Botelho has no intention of slowing down or just sitting back and taking life easy.

That’s because Botelho holds an important position, one that includes a mighty mission that he and members of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Giovanni Folcarelli Providence Chapter I are bent on keeping alive.

Botelho was installed last Saturday for a third term as commander of the Folcarelli Providence Chapter I – the oldest such group in the state – during a special pomp-and-circumstance ceremony/dinner at the Kelley-Gazzero VFW Post 2812 on the Cranston-Johnston line.

However, the highly respected and always humble Botelho says much of his success as commander is because of the dedication of “our workhorse,” Raymond Denisewich.

“He’s our adjutant, secretary, treasurer and service officer,” Botelho said of Denisewich while going over a list of 10 other men who were among the officers installed last Saturday. “He has made my job easy. What a workhorse.”

In addition to Botelho and Denisewich, other officers who were sworn in during Saturday’s impressive ceremony were Dennis Boisvet, senior vice commander; John O’Hara, judge advocate, legislative officer; Melvin Hill, trustee; Ira Erickson, junior vice commander; John Buco, trustee; John DeFusco, trustee; John Cesana, chaplain; and Anthony Taratetta, sergeant-at-arms, secretary.

The swearing-in ceremony was performed by Henry Wright II, state DAV commander, and Richard Schatz, past district commander and chief of staff.

When asked about what type of things the Folcarelli Providence Chapter I does, Botelho quickly replied, “We’re very concerned about helping homeless veterans. We have collections, one for the women and one for the men. This is a very, very important mission for all of us.”

The same holds true for the eight women who Saturday were sworn in as officers of the Folcarelli Providence Chapter I’s Auxiliary Unit I.

Heading the list was Linda Folcarelli, who again will hold the position as commander.

Her cabinet includes Susan Denisewich, senior vice commander; Ann Schatz, junior vice commander; Donna M. Folcarelli, treasurer/adjutant; Lee Ann Erickson, judge advocate; Marie Denisewich, sergeant-at-arms; Helen Folcarelli, chaplain; and Diane Arms, patriotic instructor.

Last Saturday’s installation ceremony/dinner was highlighted by a delicious multi-course dinner prepared by Ralph’s Kitchen and owner Ralph DeFusco. The kitchen is also located inside the Kelley-Gazzero Post.

All of the Folcarelli Providence Chapter I and Unit I auxiliary offers will attend the annual State DAV Convention to be held April 25-27 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Convention Center in Warwick.

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