Robert V. Neilson, Sr.

Robert Vincent Neilson, Sr., 84, of Coventry, passed away peacefully on Thursday afternoon, September 25, 2025, at Riverview Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, surrounded by the love and presence of his devoted family.

Born in Saint Marys, Pennsylvania, Robert was the beloved son of the late Walter C. Neilson, Sr. and Mary M. (Heindl) Neilson. A proud resident of Coventry for many years, he built a life rich in purpose, family, and quiet joy.

For the last three decades, Robert shared his life with his cherished companion and "honey," Rhonda M. (Poyda) Proulx. Together, they embraced thirty wonderful years filled with laughter, adventure, and unwavering devotion. Their greatest shared memory was an unforgettable Alaskan cruise, a journey that captured their spirit of exploration and love.

A proud Navy Veteran of the Vietnam era, Robert served his country with honor and dignity. After returning home, he dedicated over thirty years of hard work as a maintenance foreman with CIC and Hoechst Chemical Company. Later, he brought his skills and kindness to the North Kingstown School District, where he worked for many years before retiring in 2010.

Robert found joy in the simple pleasures of life — a good Western or war film, reading a favorite book, bowling, and dining out at his favorite restaurants. A true motorcycle and car enthusiast, he lit up when talking about the machines he loved. Though he humbly claimed he only ever “tried at golf,” his sense of humor made him a winner in every round.

Robert’s greatest pride was his family. He leaves behind his loving children, Robert V. Neilson, Jr. and his wife Amy of Hope Valley, and Laura A. O’Sullivan and her wife Amanda O’Sullivan of Coventry. He was a beloved grandfather to John and Amanda Dean, and Hope Neilson, who will carry his memory forward with deep affection.

He now joins his four predeceased brothers — Walter “Charlie” Neilson Jr., James “Jim” Neilson, William Neilson, and John “Jack” Neilson — in eternal rest, reunited in the bonds of brotherhood that time can never sever.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the PRATA-GALLOGLY Funeral Home, 78 Providence Street, West Warwick.

Inurnment with military honors will take place the following morning, Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 301 South County Trail, Exeter. Friends and family are invited to meet at 9:45 a.m. in the cemetery parking lot for the procession to the chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make someone laugh — just as Bob would have done. His humor, kindness, and generous spirit touched all who knew him, and the best tribute to his life is a moment of shared joy.

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