Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Robert Deasy Obituary
Born in Rumford on October 13, 1931, a son of the late John P. and Helen (McCoart) Deasy, he was a lifelong resident of Rumford.
Besides his wife, he is survived by a son; Robert Deasy of East Providence, a daughter; Leeann Dias and her husband Gregory of Rumford, Katy Krupa and her husband Jeff of Charlotte, NC and Maribeth Knox of Riverside, five grandchildren; Courtney, Robert and Ali Hayes, Michael and Sean Krupa, a brother; John Deasy and his wife Ann of Bridgewater, MA, a sister-in-law; Rosalind Deasy of Riverside, nine nephews and one niece. He was the brother of the late Richard M. Deasy.
After attending local public schools in the Rumford area, he graduated from St. Raphael Academy in 1949 and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Providence College in 1953, where he holds the distinction of being the first student to graduate with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. He served with distinction in the U.S. Army and received his Masters Degree from Fordham University.
Professor Deasy began his 52 year teaching career at Providence College in 1956, during which time he had the honor and privilege of teaching over 20,000 students before retiring in May of this year. During his tenure at PC, he was a member of the first Providence College Faculty Senate, directed the Humanities Department from 1965-1987, received the Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Faculty Service in 1983 and was inducted into the Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society in 1991. He was the chairmen of the History Department from 1992-1994 and was awarded the Distinguished Faculty Service Award in 2006. He was actively involved in St. Margaret's Parish serving as an usher for many years. His funeral will be held on Tuesday December 16 from the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNER AL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside at 8:30 am with a Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret Church, Pawtucket Avenue, Rumford at 10 am. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Mount St. Mary's Cemetery.
Calling hours are Monday 2-4, 7-9 pm. Flowers are respectfully omitted. Contributions in Professor Deasy's memory to the Providence College National Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, 1 Cunningham Square, Providence, RI, 02918 or St. Margaret's School Endowment Fund, 42 Bishop Avenue, Rumford, RI, 02916 would be deeply appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Deasy
Maureen Maloney
December 30, 2008
Dear Delores,
i send you greetings of peace and comfort...
blessings,
maureen from yoga
Kenneth DiLeone
December 27, 2008
To the Deasy Family,
“Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” - Mathew 22:21
Of the Two Kingdoms, Government has authority, but God has ultimate authority.
Robert has made the ultimate commitment and has given his obedience to God.
The members of the Christian Men’s Breakfast Meeting Group will continue to Honor his memory and dedication in getting God’s word out.
Kenneth DiLeone
December 27, 2008
Bob & Family
So sorry for your loss, I just found out the sad news today and can only imagine what an awful loss this must be for you. May you find strength and comfort in the days ahead and please know you remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Gloria & Ken DiLeone
michael moan
December 22, 2008
Thank you Prof. Deasy. You were my favorite Professor. My deepest sympathy.
MCM'82 and '83
Robyn (Cooney) Prentiss
December 21, 2008
Professor Deasy was a wonderful man who shared his love of history to all who were fortunate to have him as their teacher. He made it enjoyable to sit in his class with his tidbits of knowledge about anything and everything. He made learning fun! I remember him telling us a story about getting chosen to be on Jeapardy---he was so excited to tell us that story! PLUS the truth about The Wizard of Oz....I still haven't been able to watch it the same again. LOL. He will surely be missed!
Deirdre Driscoll
December 19, 2008
Dolores, Bob and Leeann, while i have spoken to you a good deal I wanted to add my name to the list of the many remembrances of your beloved father and husband. I have had the great gift of friendship with this wonderful family as well as having the luck to work with Big Bob and little Bob at PC (you decide which is which).
Bob will be missed by everyone and celebrated in memory of all of his selfless kindnesses. So many of his wonderful traits are reflected in the characteristics of his beautiful children. We were all so fortunate to have known him. Bob always had an optimistic manner, a gentle spirit and a hell of a delivery with everything he said...always a purpose...always a smile...always an encouragement for all the days I knew him. May he rest knowing full well, the world will miss him...his world will miss him forever. With all my love, Deirdre
Jim Travers
December 17, 2008
I have many wonderful memories of both Professor Deasy's when looking back at my PC history...but perhaps the most lasting was the most recent...the '76 yearbook that Bob brought in to show my son Dan ('08)four years ago to show him some candid photo's of his much younger dad.
Bob had a memory of historical proportions.
Yeats said: look where man's glory most begins and ends and know that my glory was to have such friends.
A Friar forever in our hearts...across the generations.
Kevin Johnson '08
December 16, 2008
Professor Robert L. Deasy '53 was nothing short of legendary. Aside from reviewing his list of accomplishments, which are many, the more important thing is to remember the sheer humility that this man displayed. Everyday, from when he was healthy to when he was sick from cancer -- he was always a pleasure to have a class. He taught history like a stand-up comedian that kept the class lighthearted, but at the same time, by seven minutes into the first class, everyone would sit there in awe, reveling at the man's amazing ability to remember the dates, times, and people involved in every event from antiquity to the present day.
He was a gentleman's gentleman. My roommates and I would constantly speak to him about life, the Red Sox, the former PC baseball team, and his days in the Army. His sense of humor and stories were always top-notch.
He ended our last class with the following quote:
"There is so much good in the worst of us,
And so much bad in the best of us,
That it hardly behooves any of us
To talk about the rest of us."
A man who humbly taught, day after day, yet deeply impacted the lives of over 20,000 students.
A man, who in my life, was nothing short of a role model. Rest well.
Mary Wyrostek
December 16, 2008
Dear Deasy Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your father was so special to everybody he touched, and my family was so fortunate to be one of them. We will never forget the memories of when Grampy Bob came to Maribeth's, in Warren, for all the great family get togethers. He always had a way of making everybody feel like part of his family, even my children only knew him as Grampy Bob:) The poem below was given to me, when I lost my Grampa, and I often reflect to it. I hope it gives you the same comfort and smile that I get every time I read it.
Love,
Mary
I AM NOT THERE
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift uplifting rush, of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I did not die.
David Mowry
December 16, 2008
Bob, Leeann, I am terribly saddened to hear of the pasing of your father. Having the pleasure of knowing him, I can say that he was always the gentleman. He was funny, witty and very simply, a personable guy who would always stop and say hi.
Take care of each other now, as you two always have.
LTC Ellis Hopkins
December 16, 2008
I was priviledged to have had Professor Deasy for several classes while I was a student at Providence College. I will always remember him as a gentleman and scholar.
Tammy Dionne Cancilla
December 16, 2008
Sorry to hear about your loss.
I grew up with you in Rumford and swam with you at Gristmill.
Bill Donnelly
December 15, 2008
Please add our names to the many accolades on our good friend Bob.
Our relationship goes way back to the days when we met John and Dick.
Their is a void in this world with the loss of Dick and now Bob. To say they were dedicated to eduction is an understatement. We shared many social times with all of them but Bob seem to be more frequent on the scene with us.
Bob & Lee were godparents to the youngest child, Kathy.
Our condolences to all of the family.
Rest in peace, Bob.
Brother Thomas
December 15, 2008
Bob, on behalf of everyone here at S.R.A., my condolences to you and all the Deasys on the passing of a wonderful man, a great teacher by word and by deed, and a credit to his alma mater. You Dad was a loyal alumnus of Saints who volunteered his time to give talks to Seniors about college academics, and always came to the Senior Alumni Day here. He was a Christian gentleman in every sense of the words. May he rest in peace!
Gene Horton
December 15, 2008
I will profoundly miss Bob Deasy at PC..I took both undergraduate & graduate history courses with him... he was the best teacher I ever had and I tried to model my teaching career incorporating his zeal, humor, knowledge & enthusiasm into my classes. My deepest sympathy & prayers to Dolores & the Deasy family.
Ann Iannotti
December 15, 2008
I was fortunate to have worked with Bob at PC and to have also been a student of his.
As a co-worker it was always a pleasure to have a cup of coffee the Harkins Hall lounge and listen to Bob as he proudly extolled the virtues of "his Red Sox" and "his beloved Friars."
As a member of the office of Alumni/Development, I als remember how the alums loved having him speak a various events. They kept requesting that he return the following year.
As a student of his he granted me and independent study which was my last class before I received my Associate Degree.
Professor Deasy you will be missed by all of us at PC. (Keep cheering for those Red Sox and the Friars).
My sincere condolences and prayers to the Deasy family.
Ann Iannotti
December 15, 2008
I was fortunate to have worked with Bob at PC and to have also been a student of his.
As a co-worker it was always a pleasure to have a cup of coffee in the Harkins Hall lounge and listen to Bob as he proudly extolled the virtues of "his Red Sox" and "his beloved Friars."
As a member of the office of Alumni/Development, I also remember how the alums loved having him speak at various events. They kept requesting that he return the following year.
As a student of his he granted me an independent study which was my last class before I received my Associate Degree.
Professor Deasy you will be missed by all of us at PC. (Keep cheering for those Red Sox and Friars).
My sincere condolences and prayers to the Deasy family.
Barbara Sousa
December 15, 2008
Leann and Greg, I am sorry I did not know Mr. Deasy, but from what I have read and from what I have heard from some of his friends here at City Hall, he was quite a man! I just wanted to express my sincerest sympathies to your whole family. It is very hard to lose a parent. I am sure you have many, many pleasant memories to get you through this time of grief.
Brigid & Christopher Kennedy
December 15, 2008
What a tremendous loss to us all. He always had time to talk and explain some obscure aspect of presidential history or commiserate with me on my terrible Tigers. Bob always had the time to share his love of baseball with anyone who was willing to listen; he had the best stories. Bob was a gentleman through and through. I’ll miss him.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Mark Vaughn
December 15, 2008
My condolences to the entire Deasy family. I met Robert when I was taking MA courses at PC in 1993 - he was an amazing and teacher, mentor and guidance counselor as well! I learned so much from him and I, while teaching various classes these days, think of him often. Bob was and is a major role model for what and how I teach... I will miss him and miss visiting with him when I make my visits to PC. You legacy continues in the classes I teach.
David Brown
December 15, 2008
Robert,sorry to hear about your father,my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Deborah Falvo
December 14, 2008
It is so hard to say goodbye to such a great professor and wonderful friend. His legacy will live on in the students he coached to their successes and we are all the better for having learned from him.
Rest well dear friend, you have earned your heavenly rewards!
As always, my love and prayers to the Deasy family.
bill pepin
December 14, 2008
What a wonderful man! Bob and family were wonderful neighbors in Rumford during the early 70"s. Will never forget his smile and great sense of humor; my deepest sympathy to his family.
Bill Pepin
Bill and Elaine Drapeau
December 14, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in your time of grief. May the many memories you have bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Nicholas Teto
December 14, 2008
Dr. Deasy certainly was one of the best.
He was my favorite professor at PC. He taught several of my classes, including my last history class. He was passionate about teaching history and his students. I always looked forward to This Day in History and each lesson.
Nicholas Teto, Class of 08
Meg Pilato
December 14, 2008
Here's to one of the good guys, one of a kind who will always be remembered with a smile.
Love, MAM
Kristine Struminsky
December 14, 2008
I was visited in a dream last night by Prof. Deasy - only to hear the news of his passing when I awoke. My heart is aching with deep sorrow, and yet tears of joy encircle that pain --giving comfort (like a warm embrace) in all my treasured memories.
My life was totally transformed by the kindness of this man. Not a day passes without my gratitude for the simple things he did for me during my four years at Providence College, circa 1980 - 1984.
After my first two very distraught weeks at PC (finding myself trapped in the wrong major), this man taught me to open my mind by learning to see with my heart.
I became a humanities major under Prof. Deasy's caring guidance. As I sat in front of him about to change my entire course schedule, I felt broken, helpless, and fearful I had disappointed everyone in my life. Prof Deasy calmly continued to press me by asking me & repeating, "What do YOU want to do? What do YOU like?"... From that point on, I carried the most eclectic and imaginative course schedule through all 4 years of college.
One has to respect a man who could always "find a way around the rules", if needed. Prof. Deasy knew the results of getting you in the RIGHT class would have a lasting effect on all humanity - not just one semester. Instead of requiring me to study French or Spanish, he allowed me to fill my Humanities "language" requirements with courses in linguistics, sign language, public speaking, self-hypnosis and even the art of creating illuminated manuscripts.
Now, one might think that was just the most silly college schedule... until years later, when I was able to draw upon my collective knowledge. I remembered my sign language and had several opportunities to use it in client situations. I had first-hand knowledge to teach my mother how to speak again after she suffered a stroke at an early age. And I realized I already had the skills to go on to both lecture and teach in my chosen field of photography.
The numerous and entertaining memories I have of Prof. Deasy would fill volumes... but three of the clearest visions I will forever carry are these...
First, you wouldn't miss any of his Western Civ lectures -- his animated storytelling always kept you coming back for more.
Second, in the early 80's (when the Humanities Department was then at risk of being eliminated), Prof. Deasy staged a one-man protest on the bench in front of Slavin Center. I stayed there with him, in support. In just about an hours time, many students stopped to talk with him, but most didn't really understand what he was doing...or why. But I did. On that day, I learned a great lesson of honor, respect, and principle. I have maintained those qualities throughout my own life challenges -- and I will forever envision Prof. Deasy standing (with one foot propped up on that bench outside of Slavin) in support of me.
Third, and finally... if you truly knew Prof. Deasy through his many stories, then you knew that every time the phone rang in his office -- he answered with the anticipation that it was finally the casting call from the television show "Jeopardy!" that he was forever waiting for.
There are thousands of other students who perhaps have far more elaborate stories than those I have shared here... but there is no student so grateful as I am to have been touched by this man's soul.
With deep respect, reverent sorrow, & ridiculous joy (as he would have wanted!!!),
Kristine M. Struminsky
Providence College Class of 1984, Humanities
Ted Cunningham
December 14, 2008
GOD bless Bob and Family.
My longest time and best friend.
Ted Cunningham SRA '49
ROGER LAFRANCE '49
December 14, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Kurt Hayes
December 14, 2008
Bob:
You shall be sorely missed. A great man, a great friend and loved by all. We are all blessed to have known you and to have been a part of your family.
Robert Wall
December 14, 2008
I was so sorry to hear about Bob. I have many fond memories of our days at St. Rays and our many reunions.
Robert Mulligan
December 14, 2008
Robert M. Mulligan - I was an associate of Bob over many years at PC. I always knew I could trust him. I could sit down with him in the PC cafeteria and he would immediately engage me with a smile and often a funny story. I knew when I sat down with him it would be a pleasurable break in the day-to-day teaching routine.
Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Deasy's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Deasy
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Deasy's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
