Paul Robert saw the world from the seat of an Army aircraft. As he and his fellow crewmembers flew their missions to win the Second World War, this young man from Woonsocket, Rhode Island participated in one of the world’s most epic struggles. Roaring thousands of feet in the skies over the “Old World” landscape of England, France, Germany and the rest of what was termed the European Theatre of Operations then across the Middle East and on to the mountains, valleys, jungles and coastlines of the China-Burma-India Theater, Paul Robert served on both fronts of World War Two. He was among the relatively few who served in both the European Front and the far reaches of the Pacific Theater. Through the thousands upon thousands of miles logged, the endless work as a radio operator, as he was trained to do, and the countless of hours of duty Paul A. Robert secured his place, along with the millions of others, as a member of the Greatest Generation.
Paul A. Robert, 96, of Cumberland died peacefully Friday June 25, 2021 at HopeHealth Philip Hulitar Inpatient Center in Providence. He was the loving husband of the late Eleonore (Renaud) Robert. They were married on April 26, 1952 and shared 50 wonderful years together until her passing in 2002.
Born and raised in Woonsocket he was a son of the late Romeo and Esperance (Malboeuf) Robert. At just about the time Paul graduated from Woonsocket High school, along with over 16 million other young men from across America, Paul answered his country’s call with service in the United States Army in WWII. He served in the Army Air Corps, which following the war would become its own branch of the service in 1947, the United States Air Force. In recognition of his service Paul was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, the Air Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign Ribbon with 2 Bronze Stars and the Distinguished Flying Cross, of which Paul was especially and justly proud. Following his service to his country, and helping to secure the freedom of millions across the globe, Paul returned to his native Woonsocket. From there he embarked upon his studies at Northeastern University in Boston where, through the GI Bill, he was able to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in accounting.
Paul was employed by the State of Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities as an accountant for over 34 years before retiring in 1986. A resident of Cumberland since 1964, he was a longtime communicant of St. Joan of Arc Parish. Paul liked to spend his free time immersed in a good book. Paul took immense pride in landscaping and gardening around his yard. Paul’s little patch of the “American Dream” looked like it was right out of Home and Garden Magazine, so much was the tender and meticulous care he paid to his home. After his experiences in the war, Paul’s home and gardens gave him a sense of peace and beauty. Paul will be remembered as a devoted father and cherished his role as a grandfather and great-grandfather.
Paul is survived by a daughter Rachel M. Robert of Cumberland. He was the father of the late Richard C. Robert, Sr.( who passed away in 2015) and is survived by his daughter-in-law Kathleen (Patras) “Kathy” Robert of Smithfield. Paul was the grandfather of Kimberly Reilly and her husband Michael of North Smithfield and Richard C. Robert, Jr. and his wife Michelle of Lincoln and great- grandfather of Madison, Caden, Raeghan, Brennan, Connor and Ashton. He was the brother of the late Pauline Brualt and Carmen Rondeau and is survived by many nieces and nephews and their families.
His Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday June 30th at 10:00 am in St. Joan of Arc Church, Mendon Rd. in Cumberland. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Jean Baptiste Cemetery, Bellingham. Visiting hours are Wednesday morning from 8:30-9:30 am, prior to Mass, at the Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home, 127 Carrington Ave. Woonsocket. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 186 Amaral St. Riverside, RI. 02915 or www.rispca.com.
www.menardfuneralhome.com