Herbert J. Underhill Jr. DDS, 89, of Narragansett, died peacefully Saturday, February 10, 2018. He was the husband of Anne O’Neil Underhill for 51 years until her death.
He was born September 11, 1928, in Somerville, MA, the son of the late Herbert J. and Norine (Hagerty) Underhill, and had been a resident of Warwick for most of his life. After graduation from Aldrich High School, Bert entered the United States Army and served in the Korean War. Upon returning from his duty he attended Providence College and graduated from the University of Maryland Dental School. He entered the US Public Health Service and treated patients in Staten Island for two years. He established a successful dental practice in the Warwick/East Greenwich area and practiced there for 37 years until his retirement. During this time he was a member of the American Dental Association and served as the President of the Rhode Island Dental Association and Kent County Dental Society. He held numerous positions in other dental organizations including the International College of Dentists, the American College of Dentists, and the American Academy of Dental Practice Administration.
Throughout his life he was an avid sportsman. In high school, he was an All-State football player. He developed a love for long distance running and completed the Boston Marathon two times in his fifties. He coached CYO basketball at Our Lady of Mercy parish for many years. His greatest sports passion was golf and he played for many years at Potowomut Golf Club and Point Judith Country Club. He and Anne shared wonderful times together at their winter residence at Bear’s Paw Country Club in Naples, FL. When planning for retirement, he and Anne built their “Golden Dream” home in Bonnet Shores. Their beautiful home is adjacent to the beach club, of which he was one of the original founders. In his later years, Bert was a resident of Brightview Senior Living and then a patient of the Elderwood of Scallop Shell extended care living facility in Wakefield. The family is very grateful to the staff and caregivers at these facilities for the kindness and support they offered to him.
He is survived by his children, Dr. David (Kathleen) Underhill, Charles Underhill, Dr. John (Cindy) Underhill, Susan (Paul) Marchinetti. Mary (Bob) Place, Thomas (Monica) Underhill, Jane (John) Dinwoodie, and Lynn (Rob) Neuner. He is also survived by his dear friend and companion, Joan Cass. He was predeceased by his son, Richard and his daughter-in-law Linda. Bert was the proud “Papa” to twenty-five grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He had two siblings, the late Marilyn Cornell, and Norine Keenan. He will be remembered fondly by his family as a great teacher and mentor who showed compassion for his family, friends and patients. He was quick with a humorous quip, offered sage philosophy on life’s challenging moments, was devout with Anne in his religious faith, and passed on a strong work ethic and zest for living to those he encountered. We salute his indomitable spirit.
Visiting Hours are Thursday from 4p.m.-8p.m. in the Nardolillo Funeral Home-South County Chapel, 1111 Boston Neck Rd, Narragansett. His Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday at 10a.m. in St. Veronica Chapel, 1035 Boston Neck Rd., Narragansett. Burial with military honors will take place at a later date in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, East Greenwich.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Richard P. Underhill Memorial Fund, c/o Special Olympics Rhode Island, 370 George Washington Highway, Smithfield, RI 02917. Visit NardolilloFH.com for online condolences.
