Robert J. Knox

Posted

Robert J. Knox, 88, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 2, 2019 surrounded by his family. Bob was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

He was a Korean War veteran, serving in both the Army and the Navy. It was on leave in Newport that Bob met the love of his life, Barbara Lacour. They were married on March 16, 1957 and settled in Warwick, where they resided for 60 years before moving to Narragansett. Warwick will always be “home.” It was there that they raised their family.

as devout Catholics, they attended St. Rose of Lima Church and continued to serve as active parishioners at St. Clement’s for many years. Bob believed in the missions of charitable organizations and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Warwick Council #2295 for many years, giving not only his time but his heart. He eventually served as Grand Knight and District Deputy.

Bob was a masterful mechanic and his knowledge of maintenance, construction, engineering and management brought him to serve his city as Director of Public Works, where as a member of the leadership team he contributed to Warwick’s development: the new police station, Warburton Ice Arena and McDermott Pool. He also served his school community as the assistant director of Buildings and Grounds. Bob believed in public service.

Bob and Barbara loved to travel both in the U.S. and abroad. They “commuted” back and forth to their Boca Raton condo, traveling and golfing with good friends year-round. Bob’s family meant everything to him.

He was the beloved and devoted husband of Barbara A. (Lacour) Knox; father of Mary Townsend, Robert Jr. and Patrick Knox; grandfather of Tara, Renee, Patrick Jr., Troy, Alexandria, RJ (Robert III) and Avalee; great-grandfather of Andrew, Eden, Shamus, Grace and Wyatt. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews and close family friends.

His funeral will be held on Monday, December 9 at 10 a.m. from Barrett & Cotter Funeral Home, 1328 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Timothy’s Church, 1799 Warwick Avenue, Warwick. Visiting hours are Sunday, December 8from 2-5 p.m. His interment will be in Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter, immediately following Mass.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Special Olympics RI, Warwick Superstars, 370 George Washington Highway, Smithfield, RI 02917.