R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-1-5
After the filing of the copy of the resolution, description and plat, notice of the taking of land or other real property shall be served upon the owners of or persons having any estate or interest in the real property by the city or town sergeant or any constable of the city or town by leaving a copy of the resolution, description and plat attested by the city or town clerk with each of such persons personally, or at the last and usual place of abode in this state with some person living there, and in case any of such persons are absent from this state and have no last and usual place of abode therein occupied by any person, a copy shall be left with the person or persons, if any, in charge of, or having possession of the land or other real property taken of the absent persons, and another copy thereof shall be mailed to the address of the person, if the address is known to the officer serving the notice.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-1-5