Robert E. Tucker

Robert E. Tucker, 90 of Wakefield passed away Saturday October 13, 2018 at South County Hospital. Born in Wakefield on August 30, 1928 to Adela (Eccleston) and Norris Eldred Tucker; He was the beloved husband of the late Joan (Pouliot) Tucker for 60 years. Bob graduated South Kingstown High School and Bryant College in 1948 before serving his country in the Army Air Corp. and the United States (US) Air Force (USAF) Reserves. Upon returning to Wakefield, he was employed by the Wakefield Branch Company, ultimately purchasing it in 1959. As owner of the Wakefield Branch Company he employed over 100 local people and sponsored a number of civic programs from charities to sporting teams helping this town grow. President of the Narragansett Pier Rail Road, from 1953 to 1961, he was the youngest rail road president in the US and used the railroad to improve the inventory of his store. As a member of the SK Lions Club he was part of the Heritage Festival for many years, dedicating his time and resources to making the event a success and help the charities sponsored by The Lions. Served on the Resident Board of Managers for Roger Williams Bank and Old Colony Newport National Bank. Bob was a past member, Governing Board of South County Hospital and served on the Waterfront Commission, Town of South Kingstown from 1975 to 1978. He could also be found on Salt Pond enjoying boating and the beauty of this area working as an active member of Flotilla 709 Point Judith Coast Guard Auxiliary. After selling the Branch in 1976 to JT OConnell and the fuel oil to Newport Oil he remained the General Manager until his retirement in 1981. Mr. Tucker leaves behind 4 children. Lori (Tucker Banning) Smith and husband Stoner of Stafford Springs, CT; Robert E Tucker, Jr and wife Karen of Charlestown, RI; Lisa (Tucker) St George and husband Robert of North Kingstown, RI.; and Jason R. Tucker and fiance Ashley Page of Narragansett, RI. He also leaves five grandchildren: Pamela (Banning) Azarowicz and husband of Florida; Valerie Banning of Florida; Andrea (Tucker) McGregor and husband of California; USAF First Lieutenant Ross R. Tucker, and wife of North Dakota; Hailey Tucker of Florida. Further, he leaves behind two great grandchildren, Stirling and Reagan Azarowicz of Florida. Visiting Hours will be Thursday, October 25th from 4:00pm to 7:00 pm at the Avery-Storti Funeral Home 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield. . Funeral services will be held Friday October 26th at 10 am at the Wakefield Baptist Church, 236 Main St., Wakefield. The family asks in lieu of flowers please make contributions to KPOW (Kidney Patients of Wakefield and Westerly) 10 High Street, Wakefield, RI. 02879.