Elliott William Vealey, lovingly known as “Papa” to many who knew and loved him, aged 76, passed away on September 28,2024 in Iowa City, IA. Born on October 11, 1947, in Cranston, Rhode Island, Elliott led a life marked by kindness, humor, intelligence, and an easy-going demeanor.
A proud veteran, Elliott served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, dedicating himself to the service of his country with honor and resilience. Following his military service, he married Patrice (Wood) Vealey. He established a successful career working from a journeyman electrician to master electrician and was owner of Edgewood Electric in Cranston, Rhode Island. His entrepreneurial spirit also led him to the cinema industry, where he owned and operated The Fairlawn movie theater in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and worked as a projectionist at several other movie theaters across Rhode Island. Elliott was a graduate of Bryant University, where he furthered his education in the studies of Accounting and prepared for a lifetime of diverse achievements.
In his personal life, Elliott married Betty Rippey Zeagler on September 4, 2020. He was a devoted brother, husband, father and grandfather as well as great grandfather. His family includes his brothers: Bruce, Dennis, and Kevin Vealey, daughters Jo-Ann and Nancy; son-in-law Stanley Johnson; daughter-in-law Jessica Champagne; grandchildren Jesse, Devin, Faith, and Cole; great-granddaughter Adelyn Johnson; stepson David and his wife Dorae and five step grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Patrice Vealey to whom he was married for 43 loving years, and his parents, Isaac and Loretta Vealey.
Elliott cherished spending time with his family and had a passion for movies, cinemas, cruising and travel, which reflected his adventurous spirit and love of life. He enjoyed visiting his hometown favorite restaurant, Twin Oaks, in Cranston, Rhode Island.
A visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield, IA with family present to greet friends from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. with words of comfort by Pastor Danny Cary at 8:30 p.m. A subsequent memorial ceremony will take place in Rhode Island, with details to be announced at a later time. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to “Hope For the Warriors Charity”, which supports U.S. Veterans and their families. This tribute not only honors Elliott’s legacy but also supports the community of veterans in which he proudly belonged. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
