Obituary: Robert L. Belanger, 85, Korean War Veteran, Principal

Robert L. Belanger, 85, passed away on Tuesday, June 21st, 2016. He is survived by his lovingwife of fifty-nine years, Virginia (Gregory) Belanger.

Born in Providence and raised in Cranston, he was the son of the late Lucien and Gabrielle (Cauchon) Belanger.

A proud graduate of Cranston High School and of Providence College (class of ’52), Robert was a veteran of the Korean War. Coming home, he earned a Master’s degree from Boston University and commenced a career in elementary education.

The majority of his work years were spent as a principal in Warwick, most recently at Drum Rock School in the Toll Gate complex. For many years he was an active member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and was elected a JCI Senator. He was also a coach and founding member of the East Greenwich Soccer Association.

He was a communicant and active parishioner at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in East Greenwich.

He leaves four children: Karen Maguire (Ryan), Rev. (Christopher) Francis Belanger, O.P.,Joanne Cooley, and Gary Belanger. Six grandchildren also survive him: Patrick Maguire, Maya Maguire, Brody Maguire, Wesley Draughn, Nathan Draughn and Garrett Belanger. One grandchild, Melissa Draughn, pre-deceased him.

His funeral will be Saturday, June 25th at 9:00am from the Hill Funeral Home, 822 Main St., East reenwich with a Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am at Our Lady of MercyChurch, 65 Third St., East Greenwich. Burial with military honors will be in St. Patrick Cemetery, East Greenwich. Calling hours: Friday, June 24th 5-8 pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Rhode Island Hospital Foundation/ Rising Above Cancer 5K Fund, c/o the Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1454 South County Trail, Suite 2100, East Greenwich, RI 02818, Attn: Sharon Benson.