Robert Hilton Fraser

Robert Hilton Fraser, 90, of Seekonk, MA passed away peacefully on April 23, 2024, at Roger Williams Hospital, a few days past his April 19 birthday.

Robert was predeceased by his beloved and beautiful wife, Joanna L. (Amaral) Fraser with whom he shared over sixty years of loving marriage, the sort reserved for a very lucky few.

He was the son of the late Howard R. and Freda (Seidel) Fraser, Sr., and a caring brother to the late Alan Fraser, Howard R. Fraser, Jr., and Ruth Theroux. His legacy continues through his loving daughters, Pamela Richmond of North Kingstown and Andrea Noonan and her husband Tim of Dolgeville, NY.

Robert was a loving grandfather to Malissa Richmond and Shilah Belle and her husband Joshua, and a proud great-grandfather to Adam, Theodore, Connor, and Owen Belle.

His extended family of nieces and nephews also survive him, each carrying forward a piece of his spirit.

He served his country as a United States Navy Intelligence Officer stationed in Japan during the Korean War and later in Washington, DC with his new bride. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean Service Medal.

Faithfulness was a quiet part of Bob's life, earliest as a member of the Phenix Baptist Church and later at Central Baptist Church, now known as the Community Church of Providence. His love for music was prominent as he practiced and performed in the choir and as he played the pipe organ on rare and treasured occasions. He tithed wisely to many worthy organizations as he matured in his faith, benefiting the well-being of both people and animals.

Robert aspired to be a couturier, designing, drawing and sewing many articles of women's clothing; however, the coming of his first daughter refined his focus on his wife and providing a secure life for his family. He would adorn Joanna and his children in beautiful garments throughout the years, making matching hats and dresses for his wife’s church activities and making the dresses for both of his daughters’ wedding parties.

An associate's degree from Bryant College served him well in his professional life, working first for Gulf Oil Corporation for many years, and later for Paul Arpin Van Lines where his last focus was to be the primary point of contact for moves for women and families involved with the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA).

Bob and Joanna were introduced to the beauty of the US Virgin Islands in the 1970’s by Joanna’s sister Pal, which would blossom into a passion for the rest of their lives. They longed to feel the tropical breezes, to walk the white sand beaches and to have such rich family time and memories. These yearly trips to the tropics and to Burlington, VT were very fond excursions for all.

The Frasers were renowned for their extravagant parties in a superbly decorated home to which the family would readily flock for music, cuisine, gift sharing, game playing and laugh-filled camaraderie – always a treat to be relished.

Robert valiantly fought a cancer condition for 50 years without complaint or outward worry, seemingly undaunted and unafraid. This realist approach to life was reflected as he provided comforting, calm and steadfast advice in moderation to family and friends alike, never a man to laud, “I told you so”.

God bless Robert Hilton Fraser who truly loved to the fullest his wife, his family and the time he spent on this earth. Might we all go as gracefully to our end. You are so sorely missed and so lovingly remembered. May you rest in absolute peace.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his visitation on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 11:00am – 12:00 pm, in the REBELLO FUNERAL HOME, 901 Broadway, East Providence, RI, followed by a prayer service in the funeral home at 12:00pm, and Military Honors following.

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