Robert C. Anderson, 92, of Cranston, beloved husband of the late Doreen A. Anderson for over 68 years died peacefully with his family at his side on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 after being injured by a motor vehicle a few days earlier. The son of the late Carl and Evelyn (Sidgreaves) Anderson, he was born on April 26, 1932 in Providence, RI.

Bob was a graduate of Cranston High School - Class of 1950 and of Rhode Island College – Class of 1976. He moved to Cranston in 1936 and spent the rest of his childhood and adult life in the city he called ‘home’.  Some of his favorite memories included playing on the Army jeeps and trucks at the Auburn freight yard during World War II, working in Dolan’s on Park Ave. and the many CHS reunions he helped plan.  He began his career as a Journeyman Toolmaker at Bulova Watch Co, retiring after 25 years and then spent another 20 years at Federal Products.  He also was a teacher at the Jewelry Institute.   

Bob was a professional ‘putterer’ – his hobby was not fishing or golf but working on his home and its yard across 65 years as well as washing and waxing his cars.   After retirement, he and Doreen visited every craft fair and antique store in southern New England, collecting items as reminders of their younger days.   But that all took a back seat after his three grandchildren arrived as he established ‘Camp Arpah’ – a weeklong summer camp for them where they visited Roger Williams Park Zoo, Iggy’s and other Rhode Island favorites.  He was very proud of the people his three grandchildren had become and talked about them to everyone.   He also so loved meeting and visiting his Swedish relatives on a once in a lifetime trip to his grandmother’s home in Småland.  After Doreen’s passing, Bob spent his days at his home taking one day at a time mixed in with one or more weekly visits to ‘T’s’ where he became a regular at the counter.  Bob left us undeservingly too early, even at the age of 92.  He will be missed by all those who knew him but is with Doreen, who he missed tremendously.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law; Jeffrey Anderson and Patricia Obermaier of Oakton, Virginia and three loving grandchildren; Carina Anderson of Charlottesville, Virginia and Laurel Anderson and Eric Anderson of Oakton, Virginia.  He was pre-deceased by his wife Doreen and his son, Donald R. Anderson. He leaves his beloved nieces Deborah Rhinesmith of Manchester, Connecticut and Doreen Burns of East Hartford, Connecticut and their husbands and several grand-nieces and nephews and their families and his cousin Betty Shipley and her family of Humble, Texas.

Calling hours will be held at The Butterfield Chapel 500 Pontiac Avenue Cranston on Monday August 12th from 11:00am-12:00 noon followed immediately by a Memorial Service in the Chapel. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Robert’s memory may be made to West Bay RI 158 Knight Street Warwick, RI 02886 or online at https://www.westbayri.org/donations.