Robert J. Deveau
August 13, 1926 - December 18, 2008

"Uncle Bob Robert J. Deveau, Bob, Uncle Bob was a kind, generous, trustworthy, tough, hard working and reliable man. He had values that he passed on to others and his family. He was funny, liked his beer and ciggarettes as well as socializing. Many days after his retirement you could find him sitting in the sun on the front porch after a morning of lobstering waving to cars, buses and saying hello to everyone that walked by, sometimes even asking for a kiss from a pretty girl. Everyone knew him. There are many words to describe Uncle Bob but to me "Salty" comes to mind because of his love of the ocean. He loved being on the water or a pier, whether for pleasure or later in life to supplement the retired life. I was 6 years old when he came into my life due to a change in circumstances of my mother, Jacqueline"s, life. Generous and kind, he and Aunt Barbara took us strays in until my mom found her feet. In that early time such memories come to mind that reflect the man that he was: Letting me use a brand new rod and reel only to lose it to a vigorous cast to the abyss beneath the causeway...he didn't get mad...he was kind. Later on that year he threw me overboard the Miss Chaney in a life preserver and a rope around my waist an aid in swim instruction's he was trustworthy and I can swim. Finishing all the food on my plate, not filling up on milk his and my favorite drink before leaving the supper table he was tough it taught me to only take what I could eat and not waste because there are starving children all over the world. Renting the upstairs 3rd St Apartments to my brothers at different times, at a steal because they were family and it was all they could afford, he was generous. Later in my adult life while I was living in the south I would come home to visit every other summer for 10 days or so. In this time I would always look forward to going lobstering with him. I'd meet him at 530 am or so, we jump in the truck, head to the "Handy" for a breakfast then go to the State pier. My job was "bait girl" and boy was it stinky and gross!!!! I was getting prepped for the Veterinary anatomy odors without even knowing it. I loaded the boat with the smelly pogies and if we were lucky, Skate, then we'd head out. He knew Newport harbor and the channel like the back of his hand. He taught me to drive the boat and back her down, this enabled him to hook the buoy, he was good because he didn't need my help but he appreciated it. There was a day out by "White Streak" off Jamestown, the water was rough, there were white caps everywhere, the boat was rocking at about 80 degrees and I almost fell overboard. The cove over there is real tricky because of the tides and rocks jutting out of the water. As I was turning green he was maneuvering the boat to get to the inward buoy, it amazed me to watch him hanging on to the steering wheel and hanging over the side to hook that buoy. It took him a couple of tries but he got it done and thank god the winch engine kicked in, it was known for having problems. welcome to a fisherman's world. Proudly that day I didn't get sick I only got woozy and he let me drive the boat to the lobster company. It was always fun to be at Aquidneck because everyone would always comment on "the pretty blondes" Uncle Bob had as deckhands. There were only three to my knowledge, Melisse, Flo and me. When I moved to Florida in the late 80's he and Aunt Barbara would stop in Jacksonville on their way to Naples. This was when he first taught me to play cribbage. I loved playing with him just to here how he would count his cards: 15-2, 15-4 and there ain't no more. When I graduated from Vet School I was so happy that he and Aunt Barbara made the trip all the way to Alabama to see me realize my dream of becoming a doctor. Everyone was so proud. I had the biggest and loudest Entourage of all the grads and knew it when I crossed the stage. We had a great time that weekend in Auburn and at my home in Fairhope. He leaves us, his c"

"Uncle Bob, Robert J. Deveau, Bob, Uncle Bob was a kind, generous, trustworthy, tough, hard working and reliable man. He had values that he passed on to others and his family. He was funny, liked his beer and ciggarettes as well as socializing. Many days after his retirement you could find him sitting in the sun on the front porch after a morning of lobstering waving to cars, buses and saying hello to everyone that walked by, sometimes even asking for a kiss from a pretty girl. Everyone knew him. There are many words to describe Uncle Bob but to me"

"Dear Barbara, So sorry to hear about Bob..Know he will be missed. My Daughter sent me the obit...I am in Fl now 26 yrs..Lost Don 9/2000..so my pryers are with you at this time....Connie"

"Frineds and family are most appreciated in times of need, just know that you have friends and family here at the 283 CBCS. Eric and family remember the good and it will help you stay strong, best wishes to you and your family from me and mine. SSgt. Carlton Hall "WireDawg""

"Aunt Barb and family Our prayers and love to all of you at this time of lost. Uncle Robert was a great uncle. He will be missed. Love Mike and Kathy"

"Family, I will never forget the time Uncle Bob picked me up at 4:30 AM and headed down to the Handy. After I watched him drink a glass of half and half, we headed to the boat and I commented on how bad it smelled down here. He then grabbed a bait fish and slapped me in the face with it and told me to get used to it. After that he would pick me up every morning and take me with him. I can still remember almost every conversation we had, all that he taught me, and all the advise he gave me. I was lucky to have been able to spend so much time with him. Although, as time pressed on we did not see each other much anymore, it still seems like yesterday we were speeding around the ocean, pulling traps, and dodging cigarette ashes, that would get caught in the wind and blown in my face. I will miss you uncle Bob, and I know you are looking down on everyone, smiling and watching over us. Love, Jimmy Potter"

"I am sorry to here about the death of one of our loved ones. He was a great guy and husband. Aunt Barb all of us here in Indiana love the both of you and all those from Rhode Island. Wish we could have been at the funeral to see everyone once more. I will never forget my dad and uncle Robert what a pair of ACES... love Jim and my new wife Becki"

"Deveau family, Sorry to here about u Robert. He surly will be missed. I always enjoy his time with our Indiana family. What stories he told about u Roger. Sorry we couldn't be there with your RI family. John and Kay Deveau. PS please don't look at the spelling and gramer."

"Dear Aunt Barbara and all my family. Words can not convey the emptiness I feel. The loss of Uncle Bob leaves a huge hole in my life. Many of my best memories were shaped in one way or another by his heart and smile. Maybe it was the time he helped me fix my kitchen in CT, or showed me how to catch black fish off the reefs in Newport. Certainly without a doubtâ?¦â??ALLâ?A my best fish stories. He treated everyone the same way yet some how made you feel special. I love you and will miss you Uncle Bob."

"Mom,Mike,Flo,Melisse and Eric So sorry we couldn't be there at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers have been with you all since day one. Scrooge is now another guardian angel in our lives. Love Margie and Samantha"

"Barbara, Mike, Eric, Mellisse, We send our deepest sympathy to your family for the passing of your father. He always had a smile didn't he! We will keep you in our prayers. David & Kathy"

"He was the greatest Uncle anyone could have!!! I'll miss you dearly, Toni"

"My thoughts and prayers are with everyone during this difficult time. Unfortunately it has been a few years since I last saw Uncle Robert, but I will never forget that trip to RI. Uncle Robert & Aunt Barb made me the tastiest lob-sta I have ever had fresh off the boat! I too will always remember the wonderful stories Uncle Robert & Grandpa used to tell us and I will never forget his wonderful laugh. We will miss him but never forget him. Uncle Robert - enjoy heaven and please give all our departed love ones a hug from me."

"My love and prayers are with you all at this time. Uncle Rob was 'one of kind' and touched each one of our lives in such a special way. May you find comfort in knowing that he is now celebrating a wonderful reunion with family and friends in heaven. I will cherish and hold so many wonderful memories I shared with him and all of you in my heart forever. God bless you all."

"Dear Family, Our love and prayers to all as we say good bye to Uncle Rob. He was a special man who touched us with his sparkling eyes, hardy laugh and genuine zest for life. We didn't see eachother often enough, but the times we had were always full of love, laughter, and good meals!! Like Grandpa Roger, he was a story teller, a teacher, a tough guy, and a teddy bear all wrapped up in one. From the boat rides and fishing, to the lob-sta, and the drives around Newport full of stories....the experience of family get togethers and the making of the potato pie was it called rappie pie? that we spent a good portion of the day making- I think we even had to spin the potatoes in the clothes washer to get the moisture out?! The things you remember from childhood! I will cherish these fond memories always! To Aunt Barb and the rest of our family - we love you all!"

"Our deepest sorrow goes out to you and your family. May you take comfort that the many memories you shared will live on. Our prayers, Ana & Benny"

"I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers."

"Aunt Barbara & Family, Take comfort in knowing that you now have a special guardian angel to watch over you. We have so many memories to cherish. I'm so glad we got to see him this summer. Love Linda Bob Tim & Kristen"

"Aunt Barbara and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers."

"Dear Barbara, I am so sorry to learn of Bob's passing. He was such a nice man, and a wonderful Dad. You and your family are all in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Mary Collins Anthony"

"I recall visiting Holland St as a child and having many happy memories with my Uncle Bob, Aunt Barbara and all my crazy cousins on holidays and special occasions. Robert Deveau encouraged me to enjoy RVing early in life, and it has has a profound impact on how we spend our spare time. Thank you Uncle Bob, everytime I climb into the RV I'll be thinking about you"

"Eric and Family We are sorry for your loss let us know if you need anything Margie don't worry I'll be there for Eric Love Mike and Nancy"

"To the Mother and family family of Robert John Devau and Barbara J. Deveau, of Newport, Rhode Island, Mom, Dad was devoted Dad, a WWII Vet, Foreman of Ships Carpenters US Gov, RI-DEM, Fisherman and our hero. Mom, Dadâ??s love and zest for life shows in us all. He volunteered to serve the country and later us all. Dad worked hard to support us and teach us and make us all happy. He devoted his life to his country, you and his family, as well as to help others. He was a great American, devoted family man and Father, He shared his wisdom and wit, talents, and love of fishing and life with us all. He taught all his children well. The can do attitude, can do anything if we put our minds too it. He loved to be amusing, drive home a nail or a point. There was never a dull moment. Dad taught us well. Mom, all of my family are saddened by your loss. May Godâ??s peace be with you and all the family at this time: You and our family are in my families thoughts and prayers at this time. Thank you all family and friends for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers at this time: In Loving memory of my Father: Robert John Deveau. Son: Michael J Deveau and children: son Jonathan Michael Deveau, MD and daughters: Dorothy J. Deveau, FL and Elizabeth F. Deveau MD."

"melisse and family, Sorry to here that we share the same pain. Our thoughts and prayers are with you also.Our dads are probly sharing war stories right now !! xo"

"Eric Deveau and family, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father and friend. If there is anything you need during this difficult time, please do not hesitate to ask. Sincerely, Brian Janssen"

"In days past, whenever I was in RI, I would always stop at the dinner in the morning, say around 5:30 and have breakfast with Bob. Then off we would head out on the water and spend the morning pulling in traps. We spent so little time together, but it was all quality time. He holds a special place in my heart and will be missed. My love to all you Deveau's where every you are."

"The years pass so quickly and we don't always stay in touch. The memories I have of Bob will last forever. Will always remember fishing off the reefs for black fish. I never could line up the shore line and the bridge to find the exact spot to fish. Bob always would show me, but without him aboard I would miss it. I hope there are black fish in heaven so maybe we will fish again. My thoughts and prayers are with you all."

"Dear family, I so wish I could be there to hug and kiss you all. I will pray for you all that you may find some peace throughout this time. I will treasure all the memories that Robert left me with. I remember when we were young how he gave me my 1st motorcycle ride. How he set me up on my 1st date and then he would check out every date therafter to make sure that they were good enough for his baby sister. One of my most favorite memories in when I was a freshman and I opened up all the doors in our house and then I smeared warm butter all over his face when he was sleeping then I ran like heck, but of course he caught up with me and boy did he pay me back. I love you dear brother. Margaret"

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."

"My love and prayers go out to you all. Uncle Robert was a wonderful man and he told some great fish stories. I have some wonderful memories of Aunt Barbara and Uncle Robert coming over and Uncle Robert would make those pierogies. My mom couldn't wait for them. I know that although Uncle Bob's moved on, I have solace in the memories that he left. I love you all. Debbie and Clint"

"Eric, You and your family are in our prayers. God Bless, Lee & Luci Cason"