Robert Courville

Robert "Bob" Henry Courville, 88, of Hopkinton (formerly of Warwick) passed away peacefully Thursday, March 28, 2019. He was the devoted husband of the late Dorothy (Martin) Courville. He is survived by his four beloved daughters, spouses, and five grandchildren: Terry Courville (and Roy Dubs), Pamela (and Michael Morgan) along with their children Connor, Lauren and Brendan, Christine Courville (and Michael Borders), and Sandra (and Michael Tartaglione) along with their children JonRobert and Briana. Born in Fall River and reared in Cranston, Bob was the son of the late Oscar and Sadie (Sullivan) Courville. He was predeceased by his sister Maureen (Courville) Belanger. He led an interesting and varied life. As a child he mastered tap dancing leading to him becoming a professional performer in Hollywood CA--he actually tap danced on tabletops in popular venues while wearing ice skates! He attended La Salle High School and upon graduation proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War primarily in the country of Libya (Tripoli) providing air resupply service for the troops. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force he attended Boston College ultimately earning a BA in Sociology at Providence College where he was President of the Leonine Welfare Society. After graduating college he was employed by the U.S. Social Security Administration as a Claims Specialist ultimately working as an Administrator. While working for SSA he and his family moved to various places in the United States as the job required - 21 times in 18 years - ultimately ending up back in Rhode Island and closer to relatives. Throughout his life he was a passionate history buff especially enjoying learning the details of World War II, particularly the Normandy Beach Invasion. He was a great admirer of President Abraham Lincoln and his beliefs and determination, studying everything he could about him. He had a variety of other interests during various points in his life including bowling and learning how to play the banjo. He enjoyed keeping up with current events which he did by avidly reading the Providence Journal daily and once joked hed like his ashes scattered over the ProJo building after he died. Bobs quick wit was another reason people who knew him loved him. He was humble and accepting of everyone; a generous man who was very loyal to his family and friends. His caring, upbeat spirit and can-do attitude is profoundly missed by all who knew him. A private Memorial Service will be held at a later time in Rhode Island. In lieu of flowers we respectfully request that a gift be made to your favorite charity in memory of Robert H. Courville.