Robert (Bobby) Steven Brown passed away unexpectedly on December 26 at the tender age of 39. Bobby was born in Pawtucket and graduated from Shea High School.

What Bobby enjoyed most about life was spending time with family and friends, and he had an abundance of both. He served as the head cook at Spumoni's Restaurant in Pawtucket, which was fitting for him because he loved feeding people and was keenly aware of the power of food. He knew that it not only provided comfort, but it also brought people together. Before her death, Bobby visited his grandmother several times a week and with him was always one of her favorite meals. At family gatherings, he would share his favorite staples-rigatoni pasta or pepperoni pizza. He dreamed of owning a food truck one day so he could serve some of his own special creations like baked mac and cheese - a recipe everyone loved, but which he refused to share.

People were drawn to Bobby and wanted to be around him because he felt like sunlight - bright and warm. The mood visibly lifted when he entered a room - Bobbo! you would hear as everyone waited their turn for a big bear hug. His smile was infectious. Spending time with him meant some good belly laughs and light-hearted smack talk about fantasy football and his beloved 49ers. Bobby was a private person who didn't seek the limelight, but you could occasionally catch him busting a move to Jay-Z or jamming to John Coltrane, a recent favorite.

Bobby took the role of uncle seriously and had an unbreakable bond with his niece Savannah and nephew Brandon. He was part of their lives despite the distance or time between them. He was playful and knew how to connect, including with his fur nephew Cam.

Bobby enjoyed working at Spumoni's Restaurant, where he was a beloved and valued member of the team. Over the course of 20 years, his co-workers became friends, and those friends became family.

Bobby is survived by his mother Gail Wilding of Central Falls, his brothers Brian Cannon of Pawtucket and Kenneth Wilding of Central Falls, his nephew Brandon Cannon of East Providence, and his niece Savannah Cannon of Windermere, Florida. He is also survived by his uncles Kevin (and Anita) Bennett of Pawtucket, David Bennett of Smithfield, and Richard (and Gail) Bennett of Bradenton, Florida, his aunts Jodi (and Andrew) Seth of McLean, Virginia, Kelly Lavoie of Hollywood, Florida, and Pamela Lopes of Pawtucket, as well as 26 cousins. He was preceded in death by his father Steven Brown and grandmother Rose-Marie Irene (Benoit) Bennett.

A celebration of Bobby's life will be held at Keefe Funeral Home in Lincoln, RI, on Wednesday, January 3 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Live streaming will be available. (The video stream window will appear on this page, below Robert’s obituary at 8:00pm on Wednesday)