Robert N. Bloch

1943 - 2019

Robert (Bob) N. Bloch, 75, of North Providence, RI and South Yarmouth, MA, passed away on January 8 in Providence, RI after a long battle with cancer. Bob was born on June 11, 1943 in Needham, MA, son of the late Adolph and Hilde Bloch. In addition to his loving wife of 38 years, Betsy, Bob is survived by his daughter Kimberley Sullivan and her husband Scott; his son Greg Bloch and his wife Karen; and two grandchildren, Benjamin and Samantha Sullivan. He is survived by his sister Joan Hulihan and niece Betsy Hulihan. Bob is also survived by Francine Bloch, his former spouse and mother of his children. Bob graduated from Needham High School in 1961 earning a Varsity letter in Track. Bob was a veteran who served in the Coast Guard and was in the reserves until 1972. He graduated from Boston University in 1966. Bob worked for ExxonMobil in general manager, sales and marketing roles for 29 years before retiring in 1996. Bob was actively involved in the governance of the ownership association of his condo community. Bob was an amateur weather enthusiast who kept daily written records for decades and even named a family pet Nimbus, a type of cloud. He was a Patriots, Bruins, and a Red Sox fan who had attended opening day at Fenway for years with his best friend from high school, Chuck MacMillin. Bob took great pride in his ability to alpine ski in his 70s with his grandchildren. He enjoyed spending summers on Cape Cod with his family and friends. Bob wanted everyone to remember him before the cancer diagnosis. Per his wishes, there will be no services. Memorials may be given to Autism Speaks, an organization Bob has supported since his grandson Ben was diagnosed in 2004. Ben is dedicating his 2019 Autism Speaks fundraising walk to his GPa Bob. Donations to the Greater Hartford Walk on June 2 can be made directly through Bens page by using this link: http://act.autismspeaks.org/site/TR?px=4578846&pg=personal&fr_id=4294&s_tafId=14920 The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the Hope Hospice team in Providence for providing excellent care and support for all of them, especially their beloved Bob, Dad, and GPa.