Robert J. “Bob” Buonaccorsi, 80, of Smithfield, passed away shortly before he was set to take part in the Honor Flight recognizing veterans in Washington, D.C. Born in Pinehurst, North Carolina, Bob was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 57 years, Mary (Little) Buonaccorsi; his daughter, Carla Mulhern and her husband, Brian of Glocester; his son, Michael Buonaccorsi and his wife, Kelly of Cranston; and his cherished grandsons: Jonathan Izzard, Connor Buonaccorsi, and Christopher Buonaccorsi. He is also survived by his siblings: Richard Buonaccorsi of Grafton, WI; Thomas Buonaccorsi of Pawtucket, RI; Anne Hague of New Port Ritchey, FL; John Buonaccorsi of Shutesbury, MA; and James Buonaccorsi of Athens, GA.
Bob was known for his strong work ethic, sense of duty, and dry, and sometimes off color, sense of humor. He dedicated 27 years to teaching science at Gallagher Junior High School, where he became known for his high standards and famously insisted that students learn to spell his last name correctly. In addition to teaching, he held various roles, most notably as a copy editor at The Providence Journal.
Raised in Smithfield, Bob grew up on Slacks Pond, where he developed a lifelong passion for hockey. A talented goalie, he played throughout his youth, at La Salle Academy, and later at Providence College. He went on to coach the Smithfield High School hockey team from 1968 to 1975.
In 1966, Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army, training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, before serving a tour in Vietnam. His military service remained a point of quiet pride throughout his life.
After retiring, Bob continued to serve his community through his work with Friends of Smithfield Cemeteries, where he combined his love of landscaping with his deep commitment to public service.
Bob’s hobbies reflected his meticulous nature and quiet joy in life’s routines. He took great pride in his yard, spending countless hours planting flowers in perfectly straight rows. Whether driving around town or relaxing in his recliner, you could often hear ABBA playing in the background. He was an avid fan of sports, history documentaries, and, of all things, the Weather Channel.
Though he never sought the spotlight, Bob deserves to be remembered for his strength of character, his unwavering sense of responsibility, and his endearingly bad dad jokes. His love and guidance shaped his family, and his legacy lives on in the values and memories he leaves behind.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 10am in St. Philip Church, 622 Putnam Avenue, Greenville. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 30, 2025 from 4-7pm in the Anderson-Winfield Home, Rt 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Park, Johnston. Please omit flowers. Donations in his memory may be made to Smithfield Fire Department, 607 Putnam Pike, Smithfield, RI 02828 or RI Veteran's Medical Center.; both causes that were close to Bob's heart.
We take comfort in knowing that the lessons he taught, the love he gave, and the example he set will live on in all of us.
He said it best himself: “I learned the virtues of being respectful, responsible, and disciplined and to give one hundred percent, and that’s how I tried to live and how I taught”