Robert F. “Bob” Fischer, of North Palm Beach, Florida and Newport, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on April 27th, 2025. Bob was the devoted and loving husband of Linda (Ricci) for 61 years.
Born the second of three children to Francis and Claire (Roberts), Bob was raised in the Lymansville area of North Providence and graduated from North Providence High School in 1961. He was an alumnus of Bryant University.
At 16, Bob met the love of his life, Linda Ricci. They married in 1964 and had three devoted children. Bob enjoyed a successful career in textiles and his 33 years at Duro Industries in Fall River, Massachusetts culminated with its sale in 1997. He was a principal and co-owner of the firm, which spanned more than a half-century.
While Bob’s successes in business were plentiful throughout the years, he would readily admit his greatest achievement and sense of pride came from the family he and Linda joyfully created.
Bob loved the Boston Red Sox, a good casino, French-fries and anything else that wasn’t good for him! He enjoyed playing golf with his buddies at Old Marsh Golf Club in Florida, Newport Country Club and his “Thursday Guys” group, where he was most often on the receiving end of any wagers. Bob especially loved playing with his sons, son-in-law and grandsons.
A true gentleman, known as “Bobalou” to many, and “Pop-Pop” to his family, Bob was a man of integrity, wisdom, impeccable style, boundless generosity and philanthropy.
Throughout their life together Bob and Linda’s home was warm, loving and open to all. Known for his mastery of the doughboy—in its many varieties—their kitchen became the place to be most weekend mornings.
Bob’s commitment to his family and Catholic Faith were unwavering; an example to be emulated and one which will be greatly missed.
In addition to his wife Linda, Bob leaves his son, Edward F. “Ted” Fischer, and his wife, Lisa, and their children; Robbie, Molly and Remy Guidal and her husband, Bobby, and their daughter, Windsor. Bob also leaves his daughter, Melinda “Mindy” Penney, her husband, Bob, and their four children: Devyn, Bobby, Jr. and Spencer and Ashton Devin and her husband, Liam, and their children, Saylor and Grayson, and his son, Robert T. “Todd” Fischer and his wife, Camille, and their two children, Forrest and Haven.
Additionally, Bob is survived by his sister, Carol Ricci, her husband Richard, his brother Carl and many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, April 30th at St. Paul of The Cross, 10970 Jack Nicklaus Dr. in North Palm Beach Florida.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 5th at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church, corner of Spring St & Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Center for Advanced Lung Care (CALC) at Rhode Island Hospital, PO Box H, Providence, RI 02901. https://giving.brownhealth.org/RIH/Support-RIH
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