Robert Mannarelli

Robert "Bob" Mannarelli, age 89, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on June 1, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky. Born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, Bob lived a life filled with dedication to family and education.

Bob graduated from LaSalle Academy in 1954 and Providence College in 1958. After completing his student teaching on a Friday, Bob started the following Monday on a 36-year career with the Smithfield Rhode Island School Department. Known as “Mr. Mann” to all students, Bob taught the sixth grade for 30 years before serving 6 years as school principal always focusing on his lifelong slogan of “Our Children Come First” and making sure they knew that “Silence is of the gods. Only monkeys chatter.” Bob was just as passionate about school athletic competitions as academics. He had a sneaky way of recruiting the more athletic 5th graders into his next year 6th grade class to earn him a hallway of Smithfield Field Day championship plaques.

In 2006, Bob and his wife made the big move to Louisville, KY, where he enjoyed retirement by constantly running errands and spending time with “La Famiglia”; his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 wonderful years, Jean (Rao); his four children, Lisa (Fred) Curvelo, Anne (Jeff) Gregory, Robert Mannarelli, and Joseph (Jennifer) Mannarelli; and his cherished grandchildren: Nicole Curvelo, Matthew Gregory, Eric Gregory, David Gregory, Megan Mannarelli, Emily Mannarelli, Carly Mannarelli, Caralena Mannarelli and Madeline Mannarelli. He is also survived by his sister, Phyllis Montecalvo.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Romolo and Josephine Mannarelli (Pontarelli), his sister Petrina Caccia, brothers Gino, Leonard, and Raymond Mannarelli, and grandson Fred J. Curvelo.

Never wanting to sit still, Bob enjoyed hunting, trap shooting, and coaching softball. He was a vocal (sometimes too vocal) supporter at every one of his children’s and grandchildren’s games, plays, and school events. He loved karaoke and trivia nights at Mr. G’s, blackjack tables at any casino, and having family gatherings for just about any reason, including Super Bowl parties cheering on the Patriots.

Bob never met a stranger. Once he moved to Kentucky and strangers could understand his Rhode Island accent, many became instant friends.

Visitation will be held Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM in the PONTARELLI-MARINO FUNERAL HOME, 971 Branch Avenue, Providence followed by a service in the funeral home at 10:30 AM. Graveside burial to follow in St. Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests honoring Bob’s support of the Louisville autism community by donating to Carriage House for Children (www. carriagehouseps.org).