Robert L. "Bob" Stephenson

83, of Cranston, passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Kent County Hospital after a brief illness. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Lester and Catherine (Murray) Stephenson. His life was marked by a deep commitment to both his family and coaching young athletes.

After graduating from high school, Bob proudly served in the Rhode Island Army National Guard during the Vietnam era. He was a long-time employee at the former J.J. Gregory & Son, Inc. in East Providence until his retirement, but his true passion was coaching sports. He began coaching various sports at a young age at Cranston’s League for Cranston’s Future (“CLCF”) where he remained heavily involved for many years. He was a member of the Board of Directors and served as President of the organization. Bob was recently honored by CLCF as the oldest living past President.

Bob’s true love was basketball and for over 40 years he served as a dedicated basketball coach at Bishop Hendricken High School, where he was affectionately known as "The Commander." He had a keen basketball mind and was on the bench for 18 State Championships as a part of the Hendricken Basketball dynasty. He also coached baseball at Hendricken for many years and was on the staff of Best Hoops Basketball Camp since its inception. Bob was a fixture at Hendricken for over four decades and his impact on the lives of countless young athletes extended beyond sports, inspiring many with his passion and his commitment to instruction and attention to detail.

In addition to his Hendricken family, he is survived by his sisters, Joyce DiRaimo and Gail Antonucci, both of Cranston. He was also a cherished uncle to his nieces and nephews: Cathi DiRaimo of Cranston, Lynn Palumbo of Coventry, Stephen Antonucci (Michelle) of Cranston, and Kevin Antonucci (Rebecca) of Cranston. He took great joy in spending time with his grand nieces and nephews, Michael Mollo, Daniel Mollo Sr., Dennis Palumbo, Nicholas Palumbo, Kaitlyn Antonucci, Stephen Antonucci Jr., Ryan Antonucci, and Sydney Antonucci. He was a proud great grand uncle to Isabella Mollo and Daniel Mollo Jr. He particularly enjoyed attending their various sporting events as a fan.

Bob enjoyed cooking, always treating himself to the finest ingredients. He loved everything about sports and when he was not coaching, he would often be sitting in his recliner in his den watching sports on television. He was never bashful about sharing his opinion and he never lost an argument.

His funeral will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston, followed by his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Apostles Church, Cranston. Burial will be held in St.

Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket. VISITING HOURS: Friday January 23, 2026 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Bob “The Commander” Stephenson Memorial Scholarship Fund at Bishop Hendricken High School, 2615 Warwick Avenue Warwick, RI 02889.

Bob’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Kent County Hospital (especially the Progressive Care Unit) for the outstanding care that he received during his illness.

The Commander’s legacy will remain in the hearts of all who knew him. His contributions, both on and off the court, and his loving spirit and kind soul will be deeply missed.