Robert D. O'Connell

Robert “Gumpy” D. O’Connell, age 82, passed away on Monday, October 11, 2021. Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Lawrence and Mildred (Hennessey) O’Connell. Bob was a graduate of La Salle Academy and earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Providence College. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Bob was the co-owner with Glenn Larabee of Fork Lift Trucks in Cranston for well over 50 years. He was a war memorabilia collector and one of his prized possessions was his World War II Jeep. Bob was a member of the Rhode Island Military Vehicle Collectors Club and enjoyed participating in the car shows and parades. He enjoyed spending summers in Little Compton, chatting with fellow regulars at Rome Point Café in North Kingstown, and cruising around Narragansett Bay on his Albion motor boat, “Krimar” - named after his two daughters. Bob was the beloved father of Kristen Holland (husband, Brent), and Mary McKay (husband, Ken IV); loving grandfather of Ken McKay V (Fry), Bob McKay, and Daniel McKay. He also leaves behind his “true love and best friend,” Tripod, his cat. Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am on Saturday, October 16, 2021 in St. Bernard Church, 275 Tower Hill Rd., North Kingstown. His burial with military funeral honors will follow in the RI Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Exeter. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to HopeHealth Hospice, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904 will be appreciated.