March 21, 2023

Sharon Pavignano, who served as assistant director of corporate and foundation relations for the University of Rhode Island Foundation & Alumni Engagement, passed away Friday, March 17. She was 70.

A 1974 graduate of URI, Sharon worked for many years as a researcher with the Graduate School of Oceanography before undertaking her second career working on behalf of the University to secure financial support for its projects and programs. Her passion for local, sustainable farming and knowledge of food insecurity on campus led her to become a driving force behind several important initiatives serving the community and its members.

She was a founding partner of Rhode Island Food Center, a resource center at URI that recently hosted its seventh annual Rhode Island Food System Summit. The summit and the center bring together  government, academic, business, and community partners to work toward building a resilient, sustainable, and more equitable state food system. She also spearheaded the Hunger Inequality Program at URI, working with fellow Master Gardeners and community volunteers to harvest URI experimental farm crops. Most recently, she worked to establish a Free Farmers Market held weekly on the URI campus to distribute produce to those in need as well as to the larger community through local community organizations.

As Sharon’s passions and efforts were so varied, in lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the organization of each individual’s choice. Services will be private. To read her full obituary or to leave condolences, please visit Avery-Storti Funeral Home.