Robert Eli McNair, Jr, 86, passed away peacefully in Vero Beach, Florida on June 8, 2026 after a short illness. He was born in Medford, Massachusetts and grew up in Warwick, Rhode Island. He graduated from Warwick Veterans Memorial High School and was in the US Army from 1957-1962. He met Joan Ellen Ross working at Old Stone Bank in Providence and they married in 1963. At that time, he was following in his father’s footsteps delivering for Cushman’s Bakery. They were happily married for 55 years. They fiercely loved their family and friends and loved to vacation in new places. Being an estate manager for a family who treated him like family afforded them the opportunity to travel and find their love of Vero Beach.

Heaven has gained an amazing soul. His captivating spirit was present in everything he did as a carpenter, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a friend. He was a volunteer for those in need; driving for the blind and running the volunteer library for Butler Hospital, bringing books to patients. He loved books and libraries. He loved to read, sew, iron, drive and bake. He brought homemade cookies to everyone and remembered everyone’s favorite candy. He loved chocolate and vintage cars. His optimism sprang eternal and his smile and good nature will be missed. His gratitude and generosity were perpetual. Bob was a caretaker all of his life, and brought a smile to everyone’s face who ever crossed his path. He spent his time in Rhode Island and Florida enjoying the company of people, and bringing out the best in everyone. He believed in “doing all the good you can, in all the ways you can, as long as ever you can.” He lived that way every day of his life, including making the nurses smile in his last days on earth.

Bob is survived by his children: Maribeth Ann McNair of Sebastian, Florida and Robert Ross McNair of Bondville, Vermont and his grandson: Daniel Robert Corcoran of Medfield, Massachusetts. He was preceded in death by his wife Joan Ellen McNair, whom he loved dearly and who passed in 2018, and his sister Joan Colford.

We will celebrate his life with memorial services in both Rhode Island and Florida, with details to come. Bob requested donations to be made in his name to the VNA at https://foundation.vnatc.com/memorials-and-honorariums/ Thank you.

Anyone wishing to send the family a message or share a story is asked to visit Robert McNair’s memorial page at www.millenniumcremationservice .com