Ernest J. Robert, Jr.

Ernest J. Robert, Jr., 95, affectionately known as “Pete”, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 27, 2026.

He was the devoted husband of the late Constance Rose (Taylor) Robert.

Born on August 17,1930 in Smithfield, he was the son of the late Ernest and Antoinette (Poutre) Robert.

He is survived by his sister Roberta Campbell, his daughter Deborah Autiello (Anthony), son Ernest J. Robert III (Katherine), grandchildren Anthony Autiello III (Ashley), Jenna McDonald (Patrick), Kyle Robert (Mae), and great grandchildren Ava, Reagan, and Jack.

He was predeceased by five of his six sisters. Dorothy Brown, Claire Fischer, Marie DiClemente, Norma Maymon, Jeanette Frink, and his companion later in life, Marie Monast.

Pete graduated from Lymansville Grammar School in 1946, and from North Providence High School in 1950.

He entered the U.S. Army, graduated from Military Police School at Camp Gordon, Georgia and served in Korea in 1952 and 1953 with the 2nd Infantry Division, Military Police. He was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Korean Service Medal with three bronze stars.

Pete was very proud of his service in the Korean war. He spent many years supporting the Korean War Veteran’s Association in RI and proudly drove his restored 1942 Willys Jeep in many local parades across the state.

After the war, Pete pursued his education while supporting his young family. At Rhode Island College, he obtained a Bachelor of Education in Vocational and Industrial Education and went on to obtain a Master’s Degree in Education.

His teaching career started in Smithfield where he taught an Industrial Arts adult education program. He was also a part-time instructor in the Dept of Industrial Arts Education at RIC.

In 1956 he began teaching woodworking and coaching football at North Providence High School. Always improving, he earned a teacher’s certificate as guidance counselor in 1969, a role that he enjoyed until his retirement in 1989.

Pete was a dedicated New England Patriots football fan. He has owned season tickets since 1994, which he enjoyed immensely, witnessing the Patriot’s dynasty firsthand with his son and son’s friends. Many uproarious stories have been told about tailgating excursions in Pete’s 1978 GMC motor home.

Pete was a successful, second-generation carpenter and subsidized his teacher’s salary building homes, additions, roofing, and residential remodeling; you name it, he did it! He built two homes for himself and built his children’s homes.

Pete routinely contributed to many charities and had a huge heart for anyone who needed a hand. He worked hard. He had a quick wit and loved a good joke. He was immensely devoted to his family, and his strength, thoughtfulness and humor will be greatly missed.

Services and burial with military honors in Highland Memorial Park were respectfully private.