Robert And May McDonnell

In Loving Memory: Robert F. "Bob" McDonnell (July 3, 1931 - January 13, 2024) and May E. (Ashton) "Aunt May" McDonnell (November 16, 1946 - January 14, 2024).
Bob left this world on January 13th, followed the next day by his wife May, on January 14th, 2024. Their love spanned 45 inseparable years creating a lifetime together in Rhode Island, New York, and finally Connecticut. They created memories filled with years of family love, holidays, and over the top summer parties. Together, and occasionally with friends, they traveled the U.S. and parts of the world abroad. Later in life, May and Bob found joy in new friends, walking the beaches and boardwalks, enjoying conversation, laughs, and reliving stories of their lives together.
Bob, 92, was born on July 3, 1931, in Brooklyn, NY, to the late John and Genevieve "Nana" (Syron) McDonnell. After serving his country during the Korean War, Bob achieved a degree in higher education from Brooklyn College.
Starting his career and living on Staten Island, the family eventually relocated to RI. Bob worked in the insurance industry throughout his adult life, garnering success, respect, and promotion, eventually achieving the position of VP in various companies. His professional career was marked by integrity and hard work.
Outside of his professional life, Bob found companionship and camaraderie at the Narragansett Gun Club, where he forged long term friendships and shared interests.
Bob and May are survived by Bob's three sons: Robert McDonnell and his wife Denise, Brian McDonnell and his wife Christine, and Mark McDonnell and his wife Cynthia; seven grandchildren: Brandi, Shaun, Danielle, Dylan, Erin, Hannah, and Sarah; eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. One of five siblings, Bob is survived by his sister Marylyn Smith and predeceased by his brother John "Jack" McDonnell, sister Jean Van Cook, and sister Marie Isaacs. May was predeceased by her sister Elizabeth "Betty" Ambrose.
May, 77, was born on November 16, 1946, in Providence, R.I. to the late Ernest and Mabel (Harris) Ashton. May's legacy is one of love, family, and happiness throughout her adult life.
She dedicated several years of her life as a secretary for Allendale Insurance Company, where she developed and mastered efficient and organizational skills, with these traits spilling over to making a home for herself and Bob. Even after retirement, May continued to apply her meticulous organization skills to everything within their home, creating a pleasant environment of order and clarity where everyone was welcome. May was generous and giving, both of gifts and herself, as she was the primary caretaker for her mom, Mabel as she got older, as well as Bob as he aged.
Bob and May shared several interests, not least of which were their travels and family life together, and especially with each other. Both collectors, Bob's interest leaned towards elephants and Hess trucks, while May found joy in figurines, knick-knacks, and refrigerator magnets! Their homes reflected their tastes and loves, included family photos, and sly senses of humor, with a gag, joke, or prank never to be missed.
A Funeral Service for Bob and May will take place at Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home, 659 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick, R.I. on Saturday, February 17th at 12 noon. Calling hours will be Friday, February 16th from 5-7 p.m.
Burial will be private. Remembrances may be shared at carpenterjenks.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.