He was the husband of the late Mary J. (McDonald) Dessaint. Born in Providence, he was a son of the late John A. and Marie A. (LaChance) Dessaint.
Mr. Dessaint was a proud U.S. Navy veteran, having served during the Korean War. He had worked for Millard Wire for over 30 years before retiring. He was an avid card player, and especially loved playing Hi-Lo Jack at the Pilgrim Senior Center. He was also a member of American Legion Post #43.
Mr. Dessaint was a very proud resident of the RI Veterans Home, where he attended Mass every Sunday, made many friends playing cards, bingo, bocce ball, and corn hole for which he claimed the championship.
Robert was the beloved father of Kathleen Ponte, Karen Kiley, Sharon De La Rosa, Carol Vicario and Robert E. Dessaint Jr.; grandfather of 10; great-grandfather of 8. He was the brother of the late Roland, Albert, George and Eugene Dessaint, Lillian Magnone, Marie Senecal and Theresa Phillips. He also leaves several nieces and nephews.
His funeral service will be held Friday, December 30th at 11 a.m. in the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, Warwick. Burial with military honors will follow in the RI Veterans Cemetery, Exeter. Visitation will be held Thursday, December 29th from 5-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the RI Veterans Home Fund, 480 Metacom Avenue, Bristol, RI 02809.
