Robert E. Walmsley

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Robert E. Walmsley, age 90, of Warwick, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully at home on November 21, 2020. He was the beloved husband of his lifelong sweetheart Mary Lou (Beaulieu) Walmsley for 67 years.

Born at home in Riverside, RI, he was the son of the late Ethel M. (Tarbox) Walmsley and George H. Walmsley. Bob grew up in the Riverside section of East Providence during the Great Depression of the 1930s. He graduated from East Providence High School in 1948 and declined attending college, instead going directly into the workforce as a Sales Representative with General Foods Corporation, the company with who he remained until his retirement. He was also a member of the 243rd Rhode Island Army National Guard Headquarters Battery for 12 years. Bob was a Doorkeeper at the Rhode Island State Senate for 10 years and counted many Senators and staff members as friends during his time at the State House. Later in life, Bob found much enjoyment in his new found love of photography and made it his mission to photograph nearly every achievement in his family’s lives, much to their chagrin. He enjoyed traveling with his sweetheart, including a 50th wedding anniversary trip to Hawaii, annual vacations in Wolfeboro, NH and Pahrump, NV, as well as an occasional round of golf.

He was the loving and devoted father of four children: Deborah Flynn (Ronald), Diane Flynn (Wayne), Donna Rotondi (Gary) and David Walmsley (Karen) and often joked about having a “4-D" family. He was also the dearly loved grandfather of Sean and Jason Flynn, Conor Flynn and Caely Flynn Silveira, Taylor Anderson, Arian Solomon and Mia Puddington, and Brett and Evan Walmsley, as well as the great-grandfather of 16 ½ . Robert was also the brother of the late Charles and George Walmsley and Elizabeth “Betty” Hassell.

Bob leaves behind a rich and beautiful legacy of love and devotion to family.

Funeral services will be private due to the pandemic, but a memorial service will be held when we can properly gather to honor this special man.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Providence Animal Rescue League, 34 Elbow Street, Providence, RI 02903. To leave condolence messages, please visit www.barrettandcotter.com