Obituary: Robert J. Smedberg, 77

Robert J. Smedberg, Lt., EPFD, ret., 77, of Planet Ave., Riverside, died peacefully at home Wednesday morning, December 17, 2014. He was the beloved husband of Joyce (Thatcher) Smedberg.

Born September 25, 1937, in Providence, he was a son of the late Aron Paul and Hilda Marie (Erickson) Smedberg. Bob was a graduate of East Providence High School and a veteran of the US Army. He joined the East Providence Fire Department upon his honorable Army discharge, where he served 30 years, retiring as a Lieutenant. He was a member of the Barrington Presbyterian Church, the VASA Order of America-Svea Lodge 362 and the Chorus of East Providence.

In addition to his wife of 55 years, he leaves his children, Deborah Schoenfelder and her husband Timothy of Riverside, Robert J. Smedberg Jr. of Cranston, and Karen L. Drolet and her husband Kevin also of Riverside; and his grandchildren, Paul, Jason, Allison, Leah, Hannah, Andrew, Emma, Ashley and Li Li.

He was also the brother of Milton J. Smedberg of Cheshire, CT, Eunice M. Alden of Barrington and the late Paul E. Smedberg.

Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral service Monday, Dec. 22, at 10am in the Barrington Presbyterian Church, 400 County Road, Barrington. Military honors will follow. Calling hours will be held Sunday afternoon, 3pm until 6pm, in the Rebello Funeral Home and Crematory, 901 Broadway, East Providence.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are greatly appreciated to the East Providence Fire Fighter’s Beneficial Association, PO Box 4966, Rumford, RI 02916.