Chief Robert A. Joly, Ret, BFD
Robert A. Joly, 83, passed away October 18, 2019. He was the beloved husband of Catherine (Coleman) Joly for 60 years. A lifelong resident of Cumberland, he was the son of the late Maurice and Ida (Boyer) Joly.
Bob served as Fire Chief of the former Berkeley Fire District from 1968 to 1985, ending an era with his retirement as the last remaining volunteer Fire Chief in the Town of Cumberland. Some of the most notable moments of his career were purchasing the town’s first aerial ladder truck, “Ladder 10”, and commanding the massive Peterson-Puritan Aerosol fire of 1976. A true civil servant, he also served as the Town’s Civilian Defense Director and the Rescue Ad-Hoc Committee. He was also a member of the RI and New England Association of Fire Chiefs.
Bob served the town for several decades as owner and operator of Joly’s Auto Body. He was active in the business community; involved in the Cumberland Business Association and Kiwanis Club. As an avid supporter of local youth sports and activities, he sponsored various sports teams and the former Cumberland/Lincoln Boys Club. He served on the Democratic Town Committee and was a familiar figure in local politics.
Bob was an avid golfer and member of Kirkbrae Country Club for over 30 years. An animated and colorful storyteller, Bob was at his best when telling tales of the old days in Berkeley, Fire Department, sports, or any topic. He loved watching the Red Sox and Boston Bruins. His best times were socializing and dining out with Cathy, and spending time with family.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters Susan L. Montminy and her husband Brian of East Greenwich, and Roberta A. Duffy of Cumberland; four grandchildren, Brian Montminy, Samuel Montminy, Hannah Duffy, and Sarah Duffy; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of Helen Parent of Cumberland and Irene Dusza of Lincoln. He was the brother of the late Pauline Laroche of Lincoln.
A Memorial Mass will be held Tuesday October 29th at 10am in St. Joseph Church, 1303 Mendon Road, Cumberland, RI. Visitation respectfully omitted. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to Mt. St. Rita’s Health Center, Activities Department, 15 Sumner Brown Road, Cumberland, RI 02864 .