Robert A. Desjarlais

Robert A. Desjarlais, 76, of West End, NC, died at home on April 20, 2024. He was born in 1948, in Woonsocket, RI to the late Armand and Theresa (Cournoyer) Desjarlais. He was the husband of Pauline (Denomme) Desjarlais of West End, NC.

Bob attended North Smithfield, RI schools before starting work as a well drillers’ assistant for artesian well drilling companies in North Smithfield. He was also a member of the North Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department for several years. Prior to moving to NC, Bob worked for many years for the North Smithfield Highway Department, serving as president of their local union. After moving to NC in 1994, Bob worked part-time at Mid-Pines Golf Club, Southern Pines, before retiring for medical issues.

Bob loved watching sports, especially greyhound and horse racing. Always an early riser, he could often be found at the counter of a local diner, drinking coffee, and talking about the scores and race results with his cohorts.

Bob and Pauline first met when Bob played Little League baseball with her father as coach and her brother as his battery-mate. They reconnected years later when their youngest brothers played on opposing North Smithfield Little League teams. Bob and Pauline were married on June 30, 1972, at Holy Family Church, Woonsocket RI.

Along with his wife, Pauline, he is survived by their children, Steven Desjarlais (Angela) of Tampa, FL, and Sheri Bloom of Orlando, FL. He is predeceased by his son-in-law, Thomas “TJ” Bloom.

Bob’s greatest joy and pride was being Pappy to his six unique grandchildren: Megan Bloom of Fairfax, VA., Ashley Bloom of West End, NC, Riley Bloom and Samuel Jamison of Orlando, FL, Jason Desjarlais of St. Petersburg, FL, and Cassandra Champagne of Hamden CT.

He is also survived by his siblings: Patricia (Donald) Ashcraft of Uxbridge, MA, Kathy (Marc) Sevigny of Wakefield, RI, Gail (Paul) Cote of Esmond, RI, and Peter (Christine) Desjarlais of Port St. Lucie, FL.

Bob enjoyed traveling and spent hours on the computer planning dream trips.  He was selective in the trips where he accompanied Pauline for work conferences and especially enjoyed those in Las Vegas. He enjoyed family trips to theme parks or being together on cruises.

His funeral will be held Thursday, April 25, 2024, starting with a visitation at  10:00 AM in the Holt Funeral Home, 510 South Main St, Woonsocket, followed by a service at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in St. John the Evangelist Cemetery, Church St. North Smithfield. On-line condolences may be made at www.holtfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made for either the FirstHealth Hospice Foundation or Reid Heart Center Fund to the Foundation of FirstHealth, 150 Applecross Rd, Pinehurst NC, 28374. On-line donations may be made at www.firsthealth.org/foundation-of-firsthealth/make-a-donation.

Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines assisted the family in North Carolina.

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