Robert James Cicione

93, of Cranston, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 6, 2021.  He was the beloved husband of Marie B. (Impagliazzo) Cicione.  They celebrated their 73rd Wedding Anniversary on January 3, 2021. Born in Cranston, he was the son of the late Augustino and Anna (Tedeschi) Cicione. He was the brother of the late Ann Cicione. He was the beloved son-in-law of Matteo and Theresa Impagliazzo.

Robert was the loving father of Mary-Jeanne Latina (Michael) of Cranston, Robert Cicione (Ellen) of Florida, Elaine Kyle (William) of Connecticut, Geraldine Black and her late husband David of New Hampshire. His cherished grandchildren include Michael, Kristin, Justin, Erich, Lauren, Colby, Ethan. His great grandchildren are:Kira, Samuel, Abigail, Luca, Sabine and Anaya.

Robert graduated from LaSalle Academy in 1945.  He served in the United States Coast Guard during WWII. He graduated from St. Michael’s College, Colchester, Vt. with a BS degree in Chemistry in 1950 and earned a MS degree in Research Chemistry from Providence College in 1960.

He worked at GEIGY Chemical in Cranston, RI as a research chemist after graduation. His career spanned several different aspects of Textile and Polymer Chemistry. He was employed by Bradford Soap and Dye Works, West Warwick, RI, Woonsocket Color and Chemical, Cranston Print Works, Bercen Chemical, Providence, Gagliardi Research Corporation, East Greenwich, RI, Vaportech, Mountain View, California, Rhode Island Hospital, (Pathologist) and RI D.O.T (Chemicals and Materials analyst for Bridges and Roads). He was also an Adjunct Chemistry Professor at Providence College, Providence, RI. He holds numerous patents due to his creative genius. He was a 60+ year member of the American Chemical Society.

Robert was a man of God and an emissary to the world of God’s Creations on Earth. He was an inventor, scientist, horticulturist, lover of nature and his fellow man. He had a desire to share his zest for life with everyone with whom he came into contact. Despite the focus on his intellectual pursuits, he still found time to be an avid sports enthusiast and to joyously sing his way through life.

Boisterous, gregarious, to an end… Robert wished to proclaim the phenomenal, wonders of our planet and other astronomical wonders.

His passion and mission in life was to be a staunch, dedicated servant of God. He served as President of the Holy Name Society of St. Bartholomew Parish, was a member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society, and he was a daily communicant of several different churches.

Robert was an instructor of the Pre-Cana Program to prepare couples for marriage. He was a recipient of the Pope Benedict XVI Award for service to the church. He served as a Eucharistic Minister for several years and delivered the Eucharist to homebound and nursing home residents.

The impressive, lifelong legacy, “Papa Bob” leaves his grandchildren, and great grandchildren is reflected in these heartfelt shared tributes and memories.  From Papa’s example they learned to be active, competitive, and fun loving. A simple game of Bocce taught them the rewards of teamwork, perseverance and enjoyment.

Papa loved life and wanted to share that joy with everyone around him. He taught me to find beauty in life each day. I can’t think of a greater gift and legacy.–Michael Latina

“I would say that the thing I remember most is how many friends he had and that he was always starting conversations with new people. He was very good at connecting with others.” -Kristin Dumont

“Singing a long forgotten tune on a hot summer day for the enjoyment of Yankee fans on a packed subway car on the way to the game.” Erich Cicione

“When I think of Papa, the words that come to mind for me are… faithful, warm,  veracious, and joyous.” XOX –Carolyn Cicione

Papa is the strongest man I have ever known. His desire was to bring happiness into the world. “STAY HAPPY!” was his tagline. –Justin Latina

He was really the one true role model of my life. He always had time for me. I remember burying the fig trees for the winter together. Learning always to cut lettuce from the base of the plant and playing handball against the garage. He would say, “More pasta with your cheese?” Taught me how to play Rummy and Backgammon and how to paint a picnic table with no “holidays”.  I would set the table, while Papa brought in roses and peonies for mama. He would crack the nuts for me after dinner. No one could clean a plate like Papa Bob. Everything was painted green. His smile will forever be stamped into my memory as he was always smiling and happy when he was yelling. His hugs were so tight that they almost hurt, but I never felt so loved as a child when I was in his arms. – Lauren Cicione

Papa’s catchphrase…. “STAY HAPPY.” –Colby Kyle

Wherever Papa is he is making friends and singing his heart out. – Ethan Black

Papa breathed life and joviality into every room he graced. He lived a great life worthy of an even greater man. We will all miss him dearly. –Kira Latina

Papa was always a jovial and loving person who could brighten any room or raise the spirits of anyone he met with the offer of a glass of wine, good conversation and a hand of cards.  His great influence in our lives will be dearly missed. –Sam Latina

“I am sorry that Papa Bob died, I am sorry.” –Abigail Dumont

“He was gentle, kind, and funny.” –Luca Cicione

“He was the sweetest, kindest, person I have ever met.”-Sabine Cicione

Due to COVID 19 restrictions, Calling Hours, Mass of Christian Burial and Cemetery Services will all be strictly private. The Mass will be live-streamed on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. on the Nardolillo Funeral Home Facebook page ( http://Facebook.com/nardolillofh ).  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that, in Memory of Robert Cicione, donations be sent to St. Bartholomew Parish, 297 Laurel Hill Avenue, Providence, RI 02909