Robert F. Priolo

Robert F. (Bob) Priolo, 82, of Avondale Road, died Wednesday, August 9, 2023 peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.
Bob was born in New London, Connecticut to Santa and Dorothy Priolo. He graduated from New London High School in 1959 and was especially proud of his football career there, he often teased his former Westerly competitors later in his life.
In 1967 he married the love of his life, Frances (Longolucco), and moved to his beloved adopted town of Westerly; where he resided for the rest of his life. He especially loved the downtown area and owned several downtown buildings. For many years, he operated his real estate business and Frances operated her hair salon at 4 Canal Street. He, along with his partners, renovated the "Dylan's Building" at 2 Canal Street in the early 1990's, which began a revitalization of the Downtown area. His downtown friends and tenants became family and many will remember the "Dylan's Days" where "everybody knew your name."
Bob became a real estate broker in the 1970's and had a long successful real estate career, maintaining his broker's license until the end of his life. He was always looking for the next sale.
In 1991, he opened Downtown Travel. It was there that he and Frances enjoyed not only sending people off on vacations, but sharing their love of travel by hosting group cruises and European vacations for nearly twenty years.
He had a love of Italy and the Italian culture. He often shared many stories of growing up with his Italian grandparents who immigrated from Sicily. He was fortunate to travel to Italy many times with family and friends and always loved sharing travel tips.
Bob also proudly served in the United States Army and worked at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals for over thirty years. He was a member of the Westerly Yacht Club where he was proud to be a member of the Board of Directors; he belonged to the Elks Club, and for many years the Lion's Club and the Westerly Chamber of Commerce. He served with the Knights of Columbus and was deeply guided by his Catholic faith. Bob also served as the chairman of the Westerly Republican Committee and enjoyed spirited political debates.
Above all he was a devoted and loving father and grandfather to his daughter, Tia Priolo Wilkinson and son-in-law Joseph Wilkinson and the apple of his eye, granddaughter, Madison Frances Wilkinson, with whom he resided with for the last year of his life.
Later in his life his most cherished job was caring for his granddaughter, he often joked he changed more diapers than his daughter did. He loved picking Madison up from school and other activities and as long as his health allowed, never missed a tennis match.
After losing Frances in 1999, he was fortunate to find companionship with Edyth (Tina) Preskar, with whom he shared many years of fun and adventures.
In addition to his family, Bob is survived by his brother Richard Priolo of Connecticut; his sister-in-law Carolyn Longolucco of Westerly; his loyal friend Henry Arnold; and several nieces and nephews.
Bob's family would like to thank the doctors and staff at the Westerly Hospital who always greeted him with warmth and understanding; as well as the Westerly Police Department and Westerly Ambulance Corps whose kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, Aug. 13, from 4-7pm at Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12pm on Monday Aug. 14, at St. Pius X Church, 44 Elm Street, Westerly. There is no procession from the funeral home to church. Burial will follow at St. Sebastian Cemetery, Westerly. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Westerly Hospital or St. Pius X Church in Bob's memory. For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com