Robert P. Douglas

Robert “Bob” P. Douglas, 93, of Mesa, Arizona (formerly of Johnston, RI), passed away on 18 December 2023 due to complications from a stroke.   He was the husband of the late Theresa (Carello) Douglas for 68 years.

Besides Theresa, Bob leaves behind a daughter, Annmarie Richard (John) of Smithfield, RI; and a son, Gary P. Douglas (Sheila) of Mesa, Arizona. Bob was a grandfather to three: Devin Richard of Oro Valley, Arizona; Chase Richard of Needham, MA; and Brandan Douglas of Tucson, Arizona.

Bob was born in Melrose, MA and was graduated from Ayer High School in Ayer, MA.  In 1948, he enlisted in the US Navy and became an Electronics Radioman aboard a Douglas AD-3W “Guppy” performing ASW and fleet patrol missions for the VC-12 Squadron aboard the USS Tarawa during a Mediterranean cruise from Nov ’51 through June ’52. Bob had also been stationed at Quonset Point, RI prior to his cruise from ’49 through ’51.  He was honorably discharged in 1952.

Following his military service, Bob completed a 27 year career with Retail Credit/Equifax as an insurance underwriter before embarking on a 10 year career as an Operations Specialist with the Rhode Island Airport Corp. at TF Green State Airport.  Bob’s hobbies included building scale model aircraft and being an avid reader of aviation and history.

After many years in Rhode Island shared with his daughter Annmarie, Bob enjoyed the last year of his life living in Arizona with his son, Gary & daughter-in-law, Sheila, enjoying beautiful weather, scenery, and activities that including attending athletic events, air shows, fine dining, concerts and visiting his grandchildren in Tucson, AZ.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 10th, at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 1804 Atwood Avenue, Johnston at 10:00 AM. Burial will be immediately following in Highland Memorial Park, Johnston. Visiting hours have been respectfully omitted.