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Robert Holbrook died earlier this year in Louisville, Colo., at the age of 80. He was the son of the late Ramona Holbrook. He was an extremely generous man with his time, talent and treasure.
He earned a bachelor of science degree in business and an MBA from URI. He completed the ROTC program and served active duty in Germany. He was in the active reserve for 8 years.
Bob enjoyed a 26-year career with Old Stone Corporation. He was controller for 10 years and a senior vice president of Old Stone Bank in charge of mergers and acquisitions.
He was chief financial officer of Southeast NE Shipbuilding Corp. (SENESCO), of which he was one of the founders. He took pride in bringing jobs to his fellow Rhode Islanders.
His hobby was local politics. He served 12 years on the EG School Committee and 8 years as a member of the EG Town Council. He also served on the Planning Board and the State Board of Elections. In 2009, upon retirement, he was designated a Life Citizen of East Greenwich. He proudly displayed that honor for the rest of his life.
In 2003, R.I. Gov. Donald Carcieri appointed him to be a commissioner on the Public Utilities Commission. He served 6 years and enjoyed the challenge.
Upon retirement to South Carolina in 2011, Bob once again became involved in local politics for several years. He enjoyed billiards, 40-mile bike rides, and volunteering at the USO/Savannah Airport. He also had fun on his motorcycle and driving his ‘40 Ford Coupe.
He is survived by his wife Anne, daughter Susan Gricus and son-in-law Eric Gricus. He was predeceased by his brother Paul Holbrook.
Donations to ASPCA in his memory would be appreciated.
You can leave an online condolence at the Hill Funeral Home website HERE.
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So sorry for the loss of Bob he was a strength in East Greenwich and a good friend
Dear Anne and family,
Wishing you peace at this time, I am so sorry for your loss. I am grateful to have known Bob and grateful for all he did for the town of East Greenwich.
He and my Dad, Carl Hoyer loved this town and helped make it be the great place it is today. I am sure they are continuing their discussion of politics as they look down on us.
With sincere sympathy, Lisa Hoyer Johnson
Bob helped me out a number of times when I was PR officer at Old Stone. And a major positive influence in E.G.
Rest in peace.
Anne and Sue;
So sorry to hear that Bob has passed. Our deepest sympathy to you. May he REST IN PEACE.
Cliff and Donna Wilson Rice
Very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. We used to have some battles over expenditures when he was on SC and TC. It was he and Carl H. banded together. Then when they retired they would join with me to try and keep taxes down in EG. I enjoyed his fervent passion for what he was doing. He was a prime example of participatory citizenship, regardless of his stance. I liked that in him.
May he rest in Peace and may Peace envelop his family during this time.
Bruce & Elaine Mastracchio
Bob, rest in peace!
Condolences to the family. Bob was a wonderful person and friend. May he RIP.
p.s. perhaps he and my late husband (Richard (Dick) Chadwell)are talking politics as I type this message.
I always enjoyed our talking about town politics with Bob, Carl Hoyer and Vince Bradley. An awful lot of wisdom, there. Seems like the end of an era. RIP Bob.