Robert “Red” Poirier, a man who wore many hats—along with a very memorable Providence College class ring—passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the age of 91 joining his beloved wife, Barbara Ann Murphy, in eternal peace. Born on February 11, 1933, in Providence, Rhode Island, to Alphonse Edmund Poirier and Elizabeth “Betty” Smith, Robert’s legacy will remain woven into the fabric of his family, the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey, and the Fox Point community.
A proud graduate of Cleary School and Saint Raphael’s Academy, Robert embarked on his college journey at Providence College in 1951. He put his studies on pause to serve his country during the Cold War. Stationed in Germany, he was assigned to the motor pool, where his keen mind and quick learning earned him the role of driver for the first commander in Garmisch. He also became a downhill skiing enthusiast—a skill he would later share with his three sons and grandchildren. Perhaps the most lasting result of his time overseas wasn’t his service or skiing, but the love letters he exchanged with Barbara Ann Murphy, who captured his heart at a middle school dance. After serving, he earned his degree at Providence College and more importantly, married Barbara Ann in 1959. The two would spend the next five decades building a life full of love, trips to Florida and Block Island, and raising three sons, Robert, Thomas, and William.
Robert’s impact wasn’t just felt at home, it rippled throughout his community. His career as an educator extended far beyond the classroom; he coached countless kids over the years, sharing his knowledge and passion for sports. From his time coaching Park View Basketball to serving as Director of the Fox Point Pool and Recreation Center, to his involvement with Fox Point Little League and Providence Babe Ruth, he was a staple of the local sports community. If you didn’t see him with a whistle, you could bet he was helping behind the scenes, making sure players had what they needed to succeed, both on and off the court.
Though his career took him in many directions, Robert’s greatest pride was always his family. His three sons, Robert and his wife Deborah, Thomas and his wife Dianne, and William and his wife Martha, will carry on his legacy, lessons, memories, and recipes, as will his four grandchildren, James, Ryan, Hannah, and Matthew and his wife Katherine who will all forever cherish the moments spent with Poppy. He was the brother of the late Edward Poirier.
To his caretaker of five years, Sandra Bagwell, our family will be forever grateful for the compassion, love, and the highest quality of care you provided to “Mr. B.”
Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 14 at the Monahan, Drabble & Sherman Funeral Home, 210 Taunton Avenue, East Providence from 4:00pm – 7:00pm. A Mass of Chrisitan Burial will be held on Friday, November 15 at St. Joseph Church, 92 Hope Street, Providence at 10:00am. Burial will follow at Swan Point Cemetery.
Rest in peace, Poppy. You’ve earned it. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The De La Salle Christian Brothers Fund, 635 Ocean Road, Narragansett, RI 02882 and they can be reached at DLCB.org
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