R. Robert Barone, M.D.

It is with great sorrow that the Barone family announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend, Dr. R. Robert Barone.  He died peacefully at home on April 8th, 2023.  Born on August 2nd, 1930, in Cranston, R.I., he was the son of Marie Ida Lagace and Ercole (Bob) Barone.

He is survived by his wife, Marie Angela Barone (Cofone), the love of his life for over 64 years, and his 5 children; Robert Barone, Ph.D. and his wife Deborah of Montevallo, AL., Anthony Barone and his fiancé Maria Ruggieri of Cranston, Rosemarie Barone, M.D. and her husband Timothy Austin of Ashland, OR., Joseph Barone and his wife Tammy of Johnston, Rebecca Barone and her husband Jeff Hoofard of Portland, OR.  His son David Barone predeceased him in 1983.

Dr. Barone leaves 10 grandchildren; William Barone, Nicole Carta and husband Matteo, Nicholas Barone and wife Victoria, Joseph Barone, Izabel Austin, Christopher Barone, Emelia Austin, Samuel Austin, Ethan Hoofard and Miles Hoofard, and one great-grandchild, Giovanni Carta. Dr. Barone was the patriarch of a large, loving family, a supportive, proud father, and a devoted husband. He took his children's spouses into his heart as his own children. His family meant the world to him.

Dr. Barone had a distinguished academic record, receiving honors from Cranston High School in 1948, Providence College in 1952 and University of Bologna, School of Medicine in 1957. He completed his three-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology at St. Raphael Hospital, New Haven, CT.

His career was long and rewarding, spanning over forty years, with offices in Johnston and Providence. He delivered thousands of babies across R.I., bringing joy to many families. He derived great satisfaction from directing the U.S. Government Maternal and Infant Care program at St. Joseph's Hospital. In addition, he participated on the midwifery board for ten years. He was a diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and was a member of the New England Ob-Gyn Society, the R.I. Medical Society, and the Providence Medical Association, as well as a clinical instructor at both Tufts Medical School and Brown University Medical School.

He was past president of the University of Bologna Alumni Association and organized many enjoyable dinner meetings with this group.  He was also an active member of the Italian American Historical Society of Rhode Island.

He was intellectually curious with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.  He was exceptionally well read, especially enjoying histories and biographies. His interests were eclectic, and he loved to share his stories and ideas. His charismatic and humble demeanor made an impression on all he met throughout his life. He and his wife shared many adventures, traveling cross country five times and taking trips to Italy and England. He lived his life wholeheartedly with an abundance of joy, love, and laughter. We will miss his great sense of humor and his sweet grin. His legacy of love will carry us through as we mourn his passing.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, April 13th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 1804 Atwood Ave., Johnston.  Burial will be private.  Donations may be made in his memory to Continuum Hospice and Palliative Care, 1350 Division St. Suite 205, West Warwick, R.I. 02893 or to St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 1804 Atwood Ave. Johnston, R.I. 02919.