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Robert E. Powers

Robert Powers Obituary

POWERS, ROBERT E., 56, of Coventry, passed away Wednesday at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Alice M. (Vaillancourt) Powers. They had been married for 36 years.

Born in Providence, a son of the late William H. and Eileen (Deese) Powers, he lived in Coventry for most of his life.

Robert was an equipment installer at Verizon for 30 years before retiring due to illness, and was a Chief Union Stewart for Local 2323. He was a lifetime member of the Telephone Pioneers.

Besides his wife, he leaves a son, Kelly R. and his wife Kelly P. Powers, his grandson Aiden Robert Powers, two brothers, William H. Powers II and Charles Powers, two sisters, Anne Powers-Lotocki and Susan Keith, and Cheryl and Daniel Barata.

His funeral will be held Monday at 8:00 a.m. from the Robert A. Iannotti Funeral Home, 415 Washington St., Coventry with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 in SS John & Paul Church, Coventry. Burial with Military Honors will be held in the RI Veterans Cemetery, Exeter. Visiting hours Sunday 2-5 p.m.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Providence Journal on Jan. 19, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Powers

30 Entries

John Lang

February 12, 2007

Bobby,Alice,Kelly,Miss Kelly, Aiden, Rocky, Family and Friends. I am proud and priviledged to say that for 35 years I have never enjoyed so much one person, one family, one couple, one family as much as the Powers family. I (we) am honored to say that in some small way I've been a part of their lives, and a friend of theirs. Bobby, You're the Best, Simply The Very Best. The best husband, the best father, the best brother,the best father-in-law, the best brother-in-law and the best friend. Bob was also the best chief steward, he made our jobs so much easier. He was not just a telephone worker, he was a craftsman, he took extreme pride in everything he did. He was the best chess player and the best Storyteller. I have listened for hours to Bobby who had a way with words in telling a story as only Bobby could. Only because once Bobby statred telling a story, nobody else could. I have so many Bobby stories, and I tell them every chance I get. I know everybody has a Bobby story. His knowledge of words in the English Language also made me laugh,because that was part of the story. Bobby tied emotions to words and used them like no other person describing or telling a story. His mind was always working. Call them "Bob's Famous quotes", "Anecdotes" or Bobbyism's, they were all precious gems. Quotes like "Don't cook bacon naked". " Run it up the flagpole and see if it waves". And "No doubt in my ex-military mind" were all gems. When Bobby needed a pencil it couldn't just be a pencil, it had to be a A number 2 Ticonderoga". Bobby always made you think. If Bobby didn't have any use for something it was,"I need that like I need another belly-button". When he jumped off of a high rock at Brenton Point in Newport it was "John the rock was so high that I screamed "twice" before I hit the water". If Alice came up unexpectedly behind Bobby he would say that "we have to tie a bell around your neck so we can hear you coming". Whenever he talked about Kelly it always ended affectionately with "What a Son". "Moe was something we didn't want to talk about, but was needed to keep the house running. There were other quotes such as "Mel Ott", "As Saint Paul said in the 1st letter to the Corinthians,and "Solid as Sears". He could talk the dog off a meat wagon, and the sand off the beach". He was the "Lone Ranger", and our " Our Irish Teddy Bear". He was so proud of his Irish heritage. He listened to Irish music every Saturday. When Bobb was first diagnosised with his illness the Doctor said "bob, you can have one drink a day", and without batting an eyelash he said, "How Big". Sayings like " You're so grounded, You're pepper", "They desserted me like Custart", and my favorite whenever Bobby was happy, "If I was a puppy I'd be Wagggggin my tail. Bobby you made me Wag my Tail. Bobby, always in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers. My condolences to the family and friends. Rest in Peace. You are the Best, SIMPLY THE VERY BEST. See you on the other side. Your Friend Love John

John Lang

February 12, 2007

Bobby,Alice,Kelly,Miss Kelly, Aiden, Rocky, Family and Friends. I am proud and priviledged to say that for 35 years I have never enjoyed so much one person, one family, one couple, one family as much as the Powers family. I (we) am honored to say that in some small way I've been a part of their lives, and a friend of theirs. Bobby, You're the Best, Simply The Very Best. The best husband, the best father, the best brother,the best father-in-law, the best brother-in-law and the best friend. Bob was also the best chief steward, he made our jobs so much easier. He was not just a telephone worker, he was a craftsmen, he took extreme pride in everything he did. He was the best chess player and the best Storyteller. I have listened for hours to Bobby who had a way with words in telling a story as only Bobby could. Only because once Bobby statred telling a story, nobody else could. I have so many Bobby stories, and I tell them every chance I get. I know everybody has a Bobby story. His knowledge of words in the English Language also made me laugh,because that was part of the story. Bobby tied emotions to words and used them like no other person describing or telling a story. His mind was always working. Call them "Bob's Famous quotes", "Anecdotes" or Bobbyism's, they were all precious gems. Quotes like "Don't cook bacon naked". " Run it up the flagpole and see if it waves". And "No doubt in my ex-military mind" were all gems. When Bobby needed a pencil it couldn't just be a pencil, it had to be a A number 2 Ticonderoga". Bobby always made you think. If Bobby didn't have any use for something it was,"I need that like I need another belly-button". When he jumped off of a high rock at Brenton Point in Newport it was "John the rock was so high that I screamed "twice" before I hit the water". If Alice came up unexpectedly behind Bobby he would say that "we have to tie a bell around your neck so we can hear you coming". Whenever he talked about Kelly it always ended affectionately with "What a Son". "Moe was something we didn't want to talk about, but was needed to keep the house running. There were other quotes such as "As Saint Paul said in the 1st letter to the Corinthians,and "Solid as Sears". He could talk the dog off a meat wagon, and the sand off the beach". He was the "Lone Ranger", and our " Our Irish Teddy Bear". He was so proud of his Irish heritage. He listened to Irish music every Saturday. When Bobb was first diagnosised with his illness the Doctor said "bob, you can have one drink a day", and without batting an eyelash he said

John Lang

February 12, 2007

To Alice and Kelly Miss Kelly, Aiden, Powers Family and Friends .Our Sympathy and Condolences go out to all of you at this time. BoB, Bobby, Bub was my best friend. And right now It hurts really bad to say was. Everywhere I go ,I'm remined of Bob. From Springfield, Mass. to Weekapaug,R.I. to NewportR.I. and Johnny's Atlantic Beach Club. Remember the Butterfly, and that Butterflies are free. Bobby was my Butterfly and now he is FREE. Rest in Peace My Friend, because you are the Best, Simply The Very BEST. Lots and Lots of Love The Lang Family and Lady too.

June Enos

February 10, 2007

"Memories" - when i was very young i lived in the best neighborhood, had the best neighbors, friends, 2nd family - and "Bobby" was part of that family. For years & years we played, screamed, laughed, antagonized - we even had "Back to School" plays -always good times - what Bob or I performed I don't remember, I remember we were always happy and celebrated life! To Alice, Kelly, Anne, Billy, Susie, Chucky and families - my heartfelt sympathies. May our wonderful memories of Bob soften the hurt and warm our hearts until we meet again. Love/hugs june

Maryellen Driscoll

February 4, 2007

Dear Alice,Well this was a first for me!When I saw you at JL'S yesterday,you told me to check this out.It's unbelieveable!!My heart is saddened by the loss of Bobby.But my life is so much richer for having known you both.After the story of "never fry bacon naked",I just smile when I think of him,as everybody should.My face always hurt ,after leaving your house,from laughing so much.Nothings better than that!!My thoughts and prayers are with you,Kelly and Miss Kelly.May all your wonderful memories ease your hearts.Love ME

Susan Powers Keith

January 29, 2007

I’ve been trying to find the right words to say in tribute to my big brother, Bobby. Much of it has already been said and I echo all the sentiments expressed so far.

When faced with the big “C” Bobby looked it straight in the eye and said: “ Okay – But I’m going to do this MY way.” And he did. With total resolution he fought the good fight. He never wavered and never gave up. He passed with grace and dignity with full knowledge of the love we all have for him. I will miss his smart mouth and his fabulous humor but I am so grateful that he had the absolute confidence and trust to tackle his illness on his own terms. And for that we have to thank Alice and Kelly and Miss Kelly and Aiden, too. They provided him with an impenetrable safety net of complete support, protection and peace of mind. This allowed him to take on the challenge and do it his way. His example of grace, dignity and stalwart determination is a wonderful legacy for a wonderful guy. “Bug” will miss you always.

kevin thwaite

January 26, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Bonnie Keith

January 25, 2007

Auntie Alice and Kelly,

I wish I had been able to be in RI for the funeral, but I did a remembrance for him at a Wat (Buddhist temple) here in Cambodia...I know Bobby would get a kick out of that. Uncle Bobby was a great guy, so much fun to be with and a wonderful uncle. Kory and I wouldn't even exist if him and Dad hadn't been friends! I send you both my love.

Anne Powers

January 24, 2007

Alice
this new technology gives us a way to keep the memories alive. You have been and always were the Saint in this family.I'm not sure I ever undertood how you did all you did so quietly and so gracefully - just taking care of Chuck and then Bob. We are all blessed to have you in the family. Most of this - losing Bob is not real to me just yet and I can't imagine what it is for you. But we are here and always will be.
Love you Anne

Kory Keith

January 24, 2007

Dear Aunt Alice and Kelly,
I wanted to write and let you know that I am thinking of the both of you (and Kelly and Aiden too!). I am so happy I got to see Uncle Bobby over the summer, he always made me laugh. He made everyone laugh! He will be dearly missed.

Cheryl Barata

January 23, 2007

Bobby, I am sitting here trying to think of something to write, something witty, or something funny and all I can think of is there has not been a time in my LIFE that you have not been there for me.I think I was 6 yrs old when you enter my life and we almost became seniors citizens together.Someone once told me if I have a problem to put it a box and give it to GOD and he will take care of it . In my box I can only hope that I have the strength to finish my life without you.I will miss you dearly.Untill we meet again I LOVE YOU

Joanne Murphy

January 22, 2007

Dear Alice and family, A nicer person I have never met. God bless you all, Sincerely,

Clare Burns

January 22, 2007

Dear Alice and Family,
Tom and I wanted you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care. Love, Tom and Clare Burns

Rebecca Marietti

January 22, 2007

Alice & Kel-
Bobby was an amazing individual, who I loved. I will miss him and his smile. I have so many wonderful memories of him and the love that he had for the two of you. I will hold those memories close and remember him always.
With love and sympathy
Rebecca

PAUL CYR

January 22, 2007

ALICE

WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THE LOSS OF BOBBY. WE WERE CLASSMATES IN GRADESCHOOL AND HE ALSO WAS MY SON RYANS GODFATHER. ALTHOUGH WE WERE NOT IN CONTACT WITH EACH OTHER I STILL CONSIDERED HIM ONE OF MY LIFE LONG FRIENDS. PLEASE ACCEPT OUR CONDOLENCES. WE HOPE YOUR LOVE FOR HIM WILL HELP TO BRING YOU COMFORT AT THIS TIME OF NEED.

SINCERELY,

PAUL, LINDA, RYAN, ASHLEY & GIOVANI
CYR

Patrick Fitzgerald

January 22, 2007

Pudge, From the day in the restroom of Hope High when you said Hey KID You want to pass me the sports page to the back yard in Scituate when Yukon would bring the ball back to you only about six thousand times are just a small fraction of memories that we shared in our forty something years of being best friends.Im sure that all of the stories we were famous for telling only half the people believed we were telling the truth,little did they know we left out most of the good stuf.You will be tremendously missed my brother from another mother, however Im sure you have everyone in heaven laughing thier wings off right now. Keep a stall open for me. Ill miss you deepley Patrick john Thomas Fitzgerald Sr. DD The new Bishop of Providence

Claudia Chaffee

January 21, 2007

Dear Powers Family,

Bobby and I were elementary classmates at Cleary School, and although I haven't seen him since then, I was saddened to hear of his illness and subsequent death. Please accept my condolences along with my sincere wish that loving memories of your lives together will somehow help to balance the sadness you feel as you grieve his loss.

marlaina and russell rapoza

January 21, 2007

Alice and kel,

Bobby was a great guy! We have alot of great memeories at your house when we were kids. He always made us laugh! Our thoughts are with you.

Kimberly Perry-Ford

January 20, 2007

Alice,
I grew up with Bobby and the Powers on Pitman St in Providene. My thoughts are with you and Chucky. Please give him my best. God Bless

Roanld Tucker

January 20, 2007

My thought and prayer are with you and your family, a fine person and hell of a good telephone man.

Bill & Barbara Lecuyer

January 19, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Fred & Cathy Frizzle

January 19, 2007

Dear Alice and Kelly,
We were shocked to hear of Bob's passing. Our deepest sympathy to you.

Lori Anderson

January 19, 2007

Kel and Kelly,
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Evelyn, Lori & Stephanie

January 19, 2007

Dear Alice and Kelly,
Our deepest sympathy to you. We'll always remember Bob and his quick wit. He was forever young in spirit.

Barbara and Lynn Bruner

Samantha Ferretti

January 19, 2007

Alice&Kelly
I am so sorry for your loss. I too can remember so many nights having fun with you all at your house when we were "younger".
Bobby was a great man. Please know you are in my thoughts at this most painful time.

Debbie and Ray Ogni

January 19, 2007

Alice and Kelly,

There are no words to describe the sadness we feel about Bob. He was always such a character - so full of life. Please know our hearts are with you both.

May you walk in sunshine
May you never want for more
May Irish angels rest their wings
Right beside your door

Heather Aguilar

January 19, 2007

Alice & Kel,
I am so sorry. You are both in my thoughts and prayers. I remember laughing ALOT with Bobby, he was always telling jokes about everything. When all of us crazy kids got together at your house, your Dad was the life of the party......
Now he is an angel watching and protecting all of you.
Love,
Heather

Gregory Marques

January 19, 2007

Please accept our condolences for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Powers family at this time in need.

Doug Marques

January 19, 2007

I am very sorry for your loss! Bobby (Bubby) was a great guy and I will miss him dearly. I wish I could be there during this time of need. My family's Prayers go out to yours. Love, Doug & Kelly Marques.

Lisa Powers

January 19, 2007

Alice and Kelly,

We were so sad to here of the passing of Bobby, the kids loved spending time with Uncle Bobby and we will always remember the good times we had with you guys. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I wish you all lots of love.

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