Robert Joseph Powers

Robert Joseph Powers, 84, of Naples, Florida, and Cotuit, Massachusetts, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the McCarthy Care Center in East Sandwich, Massachusetts.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1941, Bob was the son of the late Robert and Theresa (Boyle) Powers and the brother of the late William Powers. He attended Sacred Heart School and St. Raphael Academy in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and graduated from Rhode Island College, where he majored in Education and earned a Master's Degree in Special Education in 1968.

Continuing in the field of Special Education, Bob was awarded a fellowship to study Special Education programs throughout New England. He went on to serve as a member of the Rhode Island Permanent Committee under Governor Noel, helping to study and promote programs for students with special needs, and testified before Congress on Early Childhood programs.

In addition to his accomplishments in Special Education, Bob was appointed Head Page of the Rhode Island House of Representatives.

Bob began his teaching career at Cumberland High School in Rhode Island, where he provided Special Education services at the secondary level for students with special needs. He later served as Director of a three-year federal grant, Project CLASS, for the towns of Cumberland and Lincoln, establishing a diagnostic center for emotionally and neurologically impaired children. He subsequently became Executive Director of a Cumberland-based corporation that provided three Early Childhood programs serving children in Cumberland, Pawtucket, and Rumford, Rhode Island. Bob proudly served on the Cumberland School Committee for twelve years.

After moving from Cumberland to Cotuit, Massachusetts, Bob served on the Cotuit Library Board and was a member of the Osterville Men's Investment Club.

Bob enjoyed skiing, golf, sailing, architecture, the stock market, and his beloved Porsche Boxster. He was a member of the Ryder Club at Cedar Hammock Country Club in Naples, Florida, and sailed his 23-foot Sea Sprite, Nimble, for 39 years.

He lived by the saying, "Just Have to Have Fun.”

Bob's life was defined by his love for family and friends, where he found happiness in building lifelong relationships. He loved all things Irish—especially the music and the color green. He was immensely proud of his children's accomplishments, cherished humor, laughter, and family gatherings, and truly lived life to the fullest. He was often seen driving his Porsche Boxster through the village of Cotuit.

He will be remembered as the gentleman sitting on the bench in front of the Coop, admiring his Porsche parked across the street and wishing everyone a good morning.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Ronnee; his four children and their spouses: Michele (Powers) and Andy Nota of Jamestown, Rhode Island; Colleen Powers, M.D., of Wakefield, Rhode Island; Stephanie (Powers) Burns and Zach Burns of Onset, Massachusetts; and Michael Powers, LL.D., and Elizabeth Gold of Boulder, Colorado. He is also survived by his ten grandchildren: Matthew, Andrew, and Kate Nota; Connor and Owen Horiagon; Brian, Maddie, and Kevin Sahagian; and Wren and Raven Powers; as well as his two great-grandchildren, Marley and Jackson Nota.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM, at St. Joan of Arc Church, 3357 Mendon Road, Cumberland, RI. The Burial will be private.

Visitation will be held prior to the Mass, from 9:00 - 10:30 AM, at the O'Neill Funeral Home, 3102 Mendon Road, Cumberland, RI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association, Donation Processing Center, P.O. Box 70360, Philadelphia, PA 19176-0360.