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Robert Laing Obituary
Born in Westerly, Robert was the son of the late Lillian Laing and Alexander "Tee" Laing of Ashaway, R.I.
He graduated from Westerly High School with the Class of 1957, the University of Rhode Island, and obtained graduate degrees from Rhode Island College and the University of New Haven. While at URI, he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
Robert was married to Judith Hyland Laing, of Agawam, Mass., from 1961 until her death on April 1, 1995, and to Joan C. Cormier from Sept. 27, 1997, until her death on March 16, 2013.
Robert worked as a high school administrator and math teacher at Fitch Senior High School in Groton, for over 35 years, until his retirement in 1997. He enjoyed playing golf, watching New England sports teams and spending time with his family, lifelong friends and golf friends from Glen Eagle Country Club in Naples. Robert was also a member of the Calabrese Club and the Naples Elks Club.
He leaves his three sons, Thomas Laing and Kevin Laing (Dawn Pelkey) of Westerly, Kenneth Laing and daughter-in-law Nina Laing of Bradford; daughter, Diane Laing of Tampa, Fla.; a sister and brother-in-law, Denise and Donald Stephen of Naperville, Ill.; and his grandchildren, Bethany (Jon) DePerry, Kayla Laing, Justin Laing, Ryan Donohue (Laura), Lauren Donohue, Alexa Laing, Jessica Laing, Rob Fletcher, Devin Cormier; and great-grandchildren, Harper DePerry and Colton Donohue. He also leaves his step-daughters, Karen Fletcher and Susan Cormier; godchildren, Jessica Stephen and Mark Lapietra; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wives, Robert was predeceased by his brother, John "Jack" Laing.
Visiting hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, at Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly. A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, at St. Mary's Church, 95 Main St., Stonington. There is no procession from the funeral home to church. Burial will follow at St. Michael Cemetery, Pawcatuck.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Michaels Church Building Fund, Liberty St., Pawcatuck, CT 06379 or Avow Frances Georgeson Hospice, 1095b Whippoorwill Lane, Naples FL 34105.
For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Laing
Sponsored by Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home - Westerly.
Joanne (Demers) Golembeski
September 17, 2018
To the Laing Family,
I recently learned of Mr.Laings passing and although a few months have gone by, I needed to send my condolences.
I was a student of Mr. Laings, graduating in the Class of '65 from FHS. He was one of the teachers you would always remember! Kind, understanding and patient. Not only remembering him as a great teacher, I'll always remember that horrific day of 9/11 for I was in algebra class at that exact moment. It was then, I saw Mr. Laing as more than a teacher. He was also a warm, compassionate and sensitive person....sincere to his core. No, I'll never forget Mr. Laing. He touched many of his students. May he R.I.P.
JoAnn and Terry Portelance
April 16, 2018
Diane, Tom, Kevin and Kenny, We were so saddened to hear about your father. So many wonderful memories of our families together. I know your dad and mine have a daily tee-time!! I am sorry for your loss. We send prayers to your whole family.
Cheryl Buzzi Stakley
April 16, 2018
Diane, Tom, Kevin, and Kenny,
I was saddened to hear of your Dad's passing. We all got to know everybody's parents growing up together in Brookside....good times for sure!
Keep he and your Mom's memories close.
God Bless you all during this difficult time.
Lisa Joseph-Gillespie
April 14, 2018
To the Laing Family - my sincerest condolences. As the annoying little cousin up Elaine St who loved to annoy Kevin and Kenny - your father was a good man. I remember Gram and Gramps always looking to the corner and loving. May he shoot his best round ever.
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Mark Joseph
April 13, 2018
Tommy, Diane, Kevin, Kenny, I Am So Very Sorry for your Loss. He was A Great Man!!
Miss and LOVE YOU GUYS
MARK JOSEPH
Ed and Liz Schulte
April 5, 2018
Bob was a kind and gentle man and well liked by many in Glen Eagle. He will be greatly missed.
Our prayers are with your family.
Sending our love.
Ed and Liz Schulte.
April 5, 2018
To the Laing Family:
My/our sympathies on the loss of Bob. Had many good times with him over the years as a colleague at Fitch High. He was "one of a kind" and I carry many good memories of his friendship! I,especially,remember our roving "pitch" night and his uncanny sense of humor. Always a "card"!!
His ability to teach MATH was beyond comparison and he had that unique ability to connect with his students. !
May your soul rest in peace my friend.
Bernie and Ellen Nasser and Family
betty turner
April 5, 2018
Diane. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. I know how hard this is. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Ann Marie (Freitas) Messenger
April 5, 2018
So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Not only did I go to school with him but while he was in college he and his brother Jack worked with me at Consumer's Dairy. Our class was lucky to have him attend our 60th reunion where he got up and spoke about events that happened in high school. Hold him and your mom close to your hearts.
Susan Chiaradio
April 4, 2018
Diane, My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. I had your dad for drivers ed back in high school.
Byron and Pearl Brown
April 4, 2018
Laing Family,
I met Bob when we played Westerly Little League Baseball back in 1950 as well as the YMCA and Babe Ruth leagues in Westerly.
We were classmates in 1957 at WHS. Bob, Jim and I were members of the baseball team.
Both Bob and Jim were good athletes and hung together doing high school. This past year our class members held their 60th class reunion each of us spoke before the classmates and a great time was enjoyed by all. I am sure Bob will remain in the heart of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and stepchildren. He left a foot print for them to follow,
Where we are now Bob was. Where Bob is now we shall be. May his spirit rest in peace now and forever more.
John Eldridge
April 4, 2018
I'm deeply saddened to read this news. Bob was a great guy! He was a terrific athlete and student, a leader of our class and went on to live a stellar life.
I always looked up to Bob and held him in high esteem. This is a huge loss to our class and I send my deepest condolences to Bob's family and many friends and classmates.
Jack Eldridge W.H.S. Class of 1957
April 4, 2018
Elaine and I would like to offer our sincere condolences to the Laing family. For 70+ years we have been the best of friends, Through Little league to high school classmates to over 30 years teahing in the same school to years playing golf together and finally to living a mile apart here in Naples. Memories that will never be forgotten
Jim and Elaine LaPietra
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
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Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home - Westerly59 Spruce Street, Westerly, RI 02891
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