Robert R. Phaneuf, 91 of Lincoln, passed peacefully on July 22, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 20, 1929 in Pawtucket, the son of the late Frances H. Phaneuf and Anne E. (Cassidy) Phaneuf. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 64 years Dina T. (Savastano) Phaneuf. He was active in the Boy Scout Troops at St. Mary’s Church, achieved Eagle Scout and served on the Camp Yawgoog Boy Scout staff for eight years.
He graduated from St. Raphael Academy and Providence College, served in the US Army for 21 years retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Overseas assignments included Germany, Korea, Vietnam and Okinawa. He fought in the Korean and Vietnam campaigns earning the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation M (1 OLC), National Defense Service Medal (1 OLG), Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, to name a few. He was an original member of St. Maria Goretti Church and upon its closing transferred to St Jude. He was employed by Refinemet International/Bolidon Metech retiring as Director of International Traffic. He was a member of Narragansett Bay Chapter Military Officers Association of America, Army Counter Intelligence Core Veterans, American Legion Belfour/Cole Post #64 Smithfield, R.I. and VFW. He was also a past Member of the Lincoln Country Club.
He was an avid golfer, reader, enjoyed playing cards, bowling, working in the yard, doing crossword puzzles and traveling. He was happiest sitting on the porch, watching the birds, drinking a glass of wine and talking with family and friends.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Christine and David Tice of Lincoln; Son, Robert F. Phaneuf of North Kingstown; Daughter, Dina M. Ethier of Woonsocket. He had seven grandchildren: Brianne, David, Robert Elliot, Nicole, Elizabeth, Nicholas, and Steven.
Relatives and friends are invited to visitation on Tuesday, July 27th from 8:00-9:00am at Keefe Funeral Home, Five Higginson Ave., Lincoln, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Jude Church, 301 Front St. Lincoln. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor, 946 Main St. Pawtucket RI 02860 or Paralyzed Veterans of America, 7 Mill Brook Rd, Wilton NH, 03068.