Robert Furney

Robert “Bob” Furney 94, of North Scituate passed away peacefully but unexpectedly on Friday February 10, 2023 at Rhode Island Hospital.  Bob was born on September 12, 1928 in Wallingford, Connecticut to the late William and Elizabeth G. (Cann) Furney, and grew up in Cranston.

Bob graduated from Cranston High School in 1947 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1948.  He served active duty during the Korean Conflict (1950-1952) and was honorably discharged in 1954.  He was always proud of his service, flying the Marine Corps Flag from the flagpole in the yard and proudly displaying his dress blues in his home.

He received a diploma in Accounting from Bryant College in 1956 with concentrations in Business Administration, Accounting, and Law.  During the 1960s, Bob was active in several civic organizations including the Cranston JAYCEES (President), Cranston Lion Club (serving on the Board of Directors of Cranston), the Cranston Veterans Memorial Scholarship Fund (President), and the Cranston Redevelopment Agency (Vice President).

He was employed by ARCO, formerly Atlantic Refining Co. for 30 years until his retirement in 1983.  Throughout his career he acquired experience and expertise in credit and collections management, pricing and billing of petroleum products for wholesale and retail customers in the New England region.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 72 years Eileen T. (McCardle) Furney and three of their four loving children; his daughter Lynn Furney and partner Barbara Mendelsohn of Glocester, daughter Laurel Aucoin and husband Steve of Greenville, and his son Robert “Pete” Furney Jr. and wife Laurie of Warwick. He was sadly predeceased by his daughter Lee Furney, who died in 2018.  He is also survived by his loving grandchildren: Darryl Aucoin and wife Hilary of Randolph, New Jersey, and Kristen “Krissy” (Aucoin) Larsen and husband Chris of North Kingstown.  He was the cherished great-grandfather of Scarlett and Carter Larsen.

Bob’s many pleasures in life included taking his young children on driving vacations in New England, spending summer days at the beach, weekly golf games with his friends, carpentry, and woodworking.  He and his wife traveled to Hawaii, California, Florida, Quebec, and Algeria, from where they brought back exquisite hand-carved furniture that was used in their living room for many years. 

He cherished his time with his family and friends and loved hosting parties with Eileen, including their yearly New Year’s Eve celebration, swimming with family in the backyard pool, family cookouts, and many holiday gatherings and birthday get-togethers.  “Pappy” treasured time spent with his grandchildren, attending every play, concert, and event to show his support.  He will forever be in our hearts and deeply missed.

Visitation will be held on Thursday February 16, 2023 from 4:00 – 7:00pm  in The Butterfield Chapel 500 Pontiac Avenue Cranston.  A Funeral Service will be on Friday February 17th at 10:00am in The Butterfield Chapel followed by burial with Military Honors in the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to either the Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter 245 Waterman Street Suite 306 Providence, RI 02906,

Running Strong for American Indian Youth PO Box 52144 Phoenix, AZ 85072

or a charity of your choosing.