J. Robert Pesce 'Bobby'

79, of Barrington, passed away on Thursday, November 19, 2015 at Rhode Island Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Elizabeth (Murray) Pesce and the late Catherine A. (Verardo) Pesce. Born in Providence, he was the eldest son of the late John and Josephine (Palermo) Pesce. People were drawn to Bob by his big heart, his generosity to family and friends, his love of life, his booming voice, his mischievous spirit, his prankish sense of humor, and irresistible grin. Bob was never content to do anything small, he knew how to get things done and would do anything for his friends and family. He will be remembered as a successful businessman, a loyal friend, a gracious host, a lively storyteller, a fabulous cook, and unrepentant prankster. He loved spending time on his boat, playing cards at the Aurora Club, sunning at the beach in Long Boat Key, FL, and reading biographies. Many years ago as a young man, he enjoyed playing cards with his father-in-law and brothers-in-law at the Toscan Social Club. Most of all, he loved spending time with his friends, family and especially his grandchildren, whom he adored. Bob grew up in Providence and Warwick and graduated from La Salle Academy in 1954. He remained an advocate and benefactor of La Salle Academy throughout the years, establishing a "Class of 1954 Scholarship Fund", to which any donations would be greatly appreciated by his family. He also attended URI for several years before leaving in 1957 to help his father start Consolidated Concrete, which he later jointly owned with his brother, George. He went on to establish Coast Realty, a very successful commercial real estate development and management company, in 1969. In 1976, he founded Douglas Lumber with his partner, Gene Carlino. Bob was very active in the construction and building industry and was a member of the Rhode Island Builders Association for over 60 years, serving as Treasurer for 25 years as well as Chairman of the Legislative Committee. He was also a former National Director and most recently served as a member of the Board of Directors. He has served on various boards over the years and was a member of the Board of Assessors in Barrington. Besides his wife, he is survived by his loving children John R. Pesce and his wife Marissa of Lincoln, RI; stepdaughters Alicia von Rekowsky and her husband Robert of Cambridge, MA and Jennifer Frank of Easton, MA; cherished grandchildren John R. Pesce III, Cristina Pesce and Francesca Pesce; stepgrandchildren Noe and Gemma Shoor; Genevieve, Oscar and Josephine von Rekowsky, dear siblings George A. Pesce and his wife Lori (Moschetti)of Warwick, RI and the late Georgia A. Loft; sisters in law Rita Verardo and Norma Hartley. Funeral from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston will be held on Tuesday at 9:45 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am in The Cathedral of St. Peter & Paul, Providence. Burial will take place in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence. VISITING HOURS will be held on Monday from 4-8 pm

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