vincent buddy cianci whose two stint mayor providence rhode island end abruptly due felony convictions die thursday age 74 brief hospitalization cianci long serve mayor rhode island capital city run providence 22 years 1975 1984 1991 2002. attempt another comeback 2014 unsuccessfully run independent mayor seven years complete 4-1/2 prison term racketeer despite convictions cianci remain popular many residents supporters credit improve economically depress mob-dominated city six term prospect 2014 another cianci administration however abhorrent political establishment even republican mayoral candidate donate money democratic opponent end vote cianci 1984 cianci force resign plead contest assault man accuse relationship estrange wife 2001 federal authorities charge cianci corruption investigation dub operation plunder dome cianci maintain innocence accuse oversee city hall officials solicit bribe engage extortion political saga make national figure journalist mike stanton chronicle story book prince providence cianci eventually write autobiography politics pasta prosecute mobsters rebuild die city advise president din sinatra spend five years federally fund gate community live tell tale also start line pasta sauce elorza mayor providence defeat cianci 2014 order flag fly half-mast mayor cianci love city providence undeniable mark city forget say statement lieutenant governor dan mckee praise cianci oversee providence renaissance rhode island house speaker nicholas mattiello call giant rhode island political landscape cianci host talk show radio station wpro rhode island report death air thursday morning cianci take hospital wednesday night fall ill film weekly television show record buddy cianci abc6 providence station say website cianci battle cancer prior 2014 election former providence rhode island mayor vincent 'buddy cianci die