Robert L. Gilroy

Gilroy, Robert J., 80, died unexpectedly, at his home in North Providence, on April 18. He was the husband of the late Mariette H. (Bourcier) Gilroy and the father of Maryellen Gilroy (of Stephentown, NY), Susan M. Gilroy (of Cambridge, MA), Caroline M. Gilroy (of Farmington, CT), and Elizabeth M. Gilroy (of Los Angeles, CA). He was grandfather to Matthew T. Brown (of Brighton, MA) and Meredith D. Brown (of Farmington, CT). Besides his children and grandchildren, Mr. Gilroy is survived by his brother, Charles L. Gilroy (of Dorchester, MA). An older brother, Walter M. Gilroy, Jr., predeceased him. A lifelong resident of Rhode Island, Mr. Gilroy was born in Providence to Walter M. and Mary Ann (Dolan) Gilroy. He graduated from Providence College with a B.S. in chemistry in 1954 and earned a master's degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1956. For 33 years, until his retirement in 1994, Mr. Gilroy worked for G.T.E. in Central Falls, Rhode Island (formerly Corning Glass Works). Mr. Gilroy will be remembered and missed for many special qualities: his quiet manner, his tenderness and generosity, his gifts as a conversationalist, and his deep love of family. He was especially devoted to his grandchildren, Matthew and Meredith. As a child, Matt spent countless hours playing catch with his grandfather, from whom he learned the game and developed his passion for the Boston Red Sox. Mr. Gilroy spent many summer afternoons talking with friends and neighbors in Narragansett, RI and many winter afternoons doing the same in Naples, FL. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 11:00 am, in Saint Thomas Church, 65 Fruit Hill Avenue, Providence, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited. Calling hours will be Monday, April 22, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., in the Russell J. Boyle Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence, RI 02908. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to St. Thomas Food Pantry, 65 Fruit Hill Avenue, Providence RI, 02909 or St. Mary Parish Ministries, 538 Broadway, Providence RI, 02909. For directions and online condolences, please visit: www.boyleandsonfuneralhome.com