Robert J. Daigle
January 5, 2015

Robert J. Daigle, "Bob," recent resident of Governor's House, Simsbury, CT, died peacefully on Monday, January 5, 2015 at St. Francis Hospital, Hartford, CT. He happily celebrated his 95th birthday on Christmas day with family and friends.

Bob, a longtime resident of Central Falls, RI resided at Wilfred Manor for over 20 years before relocating to Simsbury, CT to be near his son and daughter-in-law.

Born in Woonsocket, R.I., on December 25, 1919, one of three children, he was a son of the late Simeon and Lea (Castonguay) Daigle. He was predeceased by his brother Bernard (Bernie), his sister Therese, and step-mother Anna.

Bob served in the US Navy in the Pacific theater on the USS Iowa during WWII. He returned safely to Central Falls and returned to work at the American Tool Company as draftsman/toolmaker for 53 years until his retirement in 1990.

Bob's interests were many and varied, including water skiing, softball, bowling and golf. He was particularly fond of his time as an instructor in the junior bowling program at East Providence Bowling Lanes for 25 years. A good golfing companion, Fr. Charles Reichart, O.P., PhD Providence College, fostered Bob's interest in photography and credited Bob, in a June 1955 scholarly article, for drafting and producing a camera converter that improved microscopic imaging. Bob even appeared on the NBC evening news with Tom Brokaw and was interviewed by Edward R. Lavine regarding the effects of computerized machinery in the workplace!

Bob was a faithful parishioner at St. Matthew's (now Holy Spirit) Church, Central Falls, for the greater part of his life. He was an avid Patriots and Red Sox fan, and intermittently, a Detroit Tigers fan. Bob enjoyed lengthy, often spirited discussions on sports with his morning coffee buddies at McDonald's in Cumberland and with his son and grandsons. He continued his interest in sports adding the UCONN woman's basketball team to his list.

Bob leaves his son, Ronald (Ron) and daughter-in-law Lorraine of Simsbury, CT, three grandchildren Sheralyn Dorman and her fiance John Flanders of Weatogue, CT, Jonathan and his wife Jennifer of West Hartford, CT, Brian and his wife Shannon of Santa Monica, CA, three great-grandchildren Maurissa Dorman, Everett (Gus) Daigle, and Isabella (Izzy) Daigle, and several nephews and nieces. He enjoyed and encouraged his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their many activities, throwing endless hours of batting practice to his grandsons and appreciating his granddaughters' art work. He was proud of Maurissa's college graduation and new professional life, Izzy's progress in baseball and soccer, and enjoyed Gus' playing happy birthday on his violin for his 95th birthday.

The family would like to thank Dennis and Mary Janicki and Bob and Lori Godin for the support they gave Bob, including very special visits and many kindnesses. He considered them "family." We also gratefully acknowledge Roland and Anne Marie Chaput, who helped Bob with rides, shopping and doctor visits before he relocated to Simsbury, CT.

Bob's funeral will be held on Monday at 8:30 am from the Lincoln Funeral Home, 1501 Lonsdale Avenue, Lincoln followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am in Holy Spirit Church, 1030 Dexter St., Central Falls. Burial with military honors will be in Notre Dame Cemetery, Pawtucket. Calling hours are Sunday from 2-5 pm.

 

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Lincoln Funeral Home
1501 Lonsdale Avenue
Lincoln, RI 02865
401-726-4117

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