Wayne Elbridge Farnum

Wayne E. Farnum, 72, of Middletown, RI, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at Newport Hospital. Born on September 22, 1945 in Newport, RI, he was the son of the late James W. and Muriel R. (Bailey) Farnum. After graduating from Middletown High School as a member of the inaugural graduating class of 1962, Wayne attended Johnson and Wales University to study Business Management. From 1967 to 1971 he actively served as a member of the United States Navy and spent several years abroad during the Vietnam War.Wayne spent the majority of his career in management positions of retail and convenience stores across Aquidneck Island, most notably as manager of Cumberland Farms on Broadway for 20+ years. During the Blizzard of 1978, Wayne was commended by the Newport Daily News for walking to work through the storm to open Cumberland Farms to the Newport community as the only open store on Broadway. He spent the last few years as a driver for Orange Cab.Wayne was a dedicated member of his community during his lifetime, and frequently donated to charitable organizations including the National Veterans Foundation. He attended several churches on the Island, and most enjoyed his times ringing the Christmas bells at St. Columba's in Middletown, RI. Wayne loved spending time with his family above all, and was a dedicated father and grandfather throughout his life.He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Margaret D. (Spaulding) Farnum of Middletown, RI, his brother Wallace Farnum of Vermont, his sister Ruth Siebens of Portsmouth, RI, and his three sons Daniel H. Farnum and his wife Michelle of Newport, RI, Jeffrey B. Farnum of Middletown, RI, and Wayne E. Farnum II of Yuma, AZ. Wayne is also survived by his three grandchildren Cassandra L. McCarthy, Micaela A. Farnum, and Bailey H. T. Farnum.Calling hours will be held on Thursday, November 16 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI.Funeral Services will be held on Friday, November 17, 2017 at 11:00 AM in St. Columba's The Berkeley Memorial Chapel, 55 Vaucluse Avenue, Middletown, RI. Burial will follow in Newport Memorial Park, 123 Howland Ave, Middletown, RI.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Wayne's name to the Middletown Rescue Wagon Fund, 239 Wyatt Road, Middletown, RI. Cemetery Details Newport Memorial Park Vaucluse Avenue Middletown, RI, Visitation NOV 16. 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com Service NOV 17. 11:00 AM St. Columba Berkley Memorial Chapel 55 Vaucluse Avenue Middletown, RI, US