March 28, 2024

Robert R. Nocera, ESQ.

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Robert R. Nocera, ESQ. 76, passed away on Friday July 30, 2021. He was the dear husband of Judith (Oakes) Nocera. He was the beloved father of Lauren S. Nocera of Providence (partner Shawn Wheeler), stepfather to Amy C. Long of Lancaster, Ohio (husband Howard Long), and grandfather "Dampy" to Katherine E. Long of Westerville, Ohio (fiancé Alex Maldonado) and their dog Iggy.

He also leaves one sister, Janice Fournier of West Haven, CT, his niece Elizabeth Klein of Hingham, MA and his nephew Brian Fournier of Orange, CT, and their spouses and children whom he adored. He also leaves behind many friends who are family, cultivating deep and cherished relationships with many.

Born in Providence and raised in East Providence, he was the son of the late Cosmo and Carmella (Ricci) Nocera. Bob attended Lasalle Academy, Georgetown University, and Suffolk Law School.

Bob was a proud member of the Rhode Island Bar for more than fifty years. He owned and operated his own family law practice in Pawtucket for the majority of his career. In addition to his private practice, he was proud to serve the City of East Providence in the role of city solicitor for many years. He was an active member of several legal associations, including the Pawtucket Bar Association and the Justinans.

Bob was universally well-respected by his clients, his colleagues, court house staff, and members of the judiciary for his unbridled commitment to justice and his unwavering professionalism and decorum. Taking his professional Voluntary Pro Bono Publico Service expectation seriously, he logged hundreds of hours a year of service thru the Volunteer Legal Program of the RI Bar Association, was an "easy target" for colleagues who ran free legal clinics in the community, and was the best mock trial coach ever. We were so proud of him when his service was recognized by the RI Bar Association's Pro Bono Publico service award in 1998, and when he accepted his award from the bar association for 50 years of membership in 2019.

A practicing Catholic, he was a man of great faith. He was a parishioner and volunteer at several parishes during his life.

He was also a volunteer at his alma mater Georgetown University in various capacities, especially enjoying interviewing local prospective students. An avid Georgetown sports fan, he loved to attend games locally and in DC to cheer "HOYA HOYA SAXA for the dear old blue and grey."

Bob always said "work hard, play hard." He loved his toys including his model railroad and his Porsche. He skied the "big mountains" out west into his sixties, and was found on the golf course year-round until his illness got in the way. He loved to travel with Judy to Hilton Head and Martha's Vineyard. He was always up for a get-a-way game at Fenway with Lauren. He cherished family BBQs with Amy, Howard, Katie and Alex. He could be found cheering at his grand niece's and nephews' performances, games, and award ceremonies.

Bob loved to laugh. At the end of his life his laughter was a gift to the healthcare heroes who cared for him (and us) like family at Eastgate Nursing and Rehab; we are so grateful for all they did.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday August 7, 2021 in St. Martha's Church, 2595 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence starting at 8:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Masks are required inside the church. Please consider COVID testing in advance. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Staff Fund at Eastgate (198 Waterman Ave, East Providence, RI 02914) or the Pro Bono Project of the Rhode Island Bar Foundation, 41 Sharpe Dr., Cranston, RI, 02920. For condolences visit www.PERRYMCSTAY.com

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