Commander Robert Dennis Bledsoe (USN Ret) aged 87 passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025, with his beloved wife by his side. Bob was born in Alamosa, Colorado to Robert Everett and Othella Bledsoe. He was raised in Napa, California and graduated from Napa High School and the California Maritime Academy. After a brief time sailing with the Merchant Marine Fleet, he joined the United States Navy. He served with great distinction and bravery. Bob received many awards and commendations during his service including the Bronze Star (V) during one of his three tours during the Vietnam conflict. During his career, he, his wife and daughter relocated countless times to multiple states and foreign countries. Bob was the epitome of an officer and a gentleman and retired from the Navy after 26 years. Following retirement from the Navy he went on to have several successful careers in Lowell, Massachusetts at Saint Joseph Hospital, Picatinny, New Jersey at the Picatinny Army Arsenal, Washington DC at the Washington Hospital Center and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania at the King of Prussia school district. He and Virginia eventually retired permanently and spent the last 20 years in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. They continued to travel extensively and had many adventures with family and friends. Bob was a published writer and accomplished painter. He loved to fish and grow roses in his garden. He was a man of great faith and served on the vestry and other committees at St. Columba's Chapel. He loved to tell sea stories and bad jokes. He was very active in the community and was a proud member of Tin Can Sailors, Military Officers Association and Quindecim. He was an instrumental part of the initial planning and organization of Circle of Scholars at Salve Regina University. He was an avid reader and loved crossword puzzles and sudokus but by far his favorite thing to do was to be with his beautiful wife, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Raymond Bledsoe.

He is survived by his much beloved wife of 60 years Virginia (Grant), daughter Patricia and son in law Jerry Hemenway of New Hampshire. His true pride and joy, however, were his three grandchildren, Charlie (Dani), Benjamin and Elizabeth Hemenway all of New Hampshire. He was their much-loved Bob. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Ronald Grant of Portsmouth RI, sister-in-law Karen (Bob) Allen of Somerset, MA, many nieces, nephews and a wide circle of cherished friends from far and wide.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Rd. (Rt. 114) Portsmouth, RI. A Funeral service will be held on Friday, January 9th at 10 o'clock at St. Columba's Berkeley Memorial Chapel, 55 Vaucluse Ave., Middletown, RI (www.stcolumbaschapel.org). Interment will follow in the St. Columba Berkeley Churchyard with U.S. Navy Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to St. Columba's Chapel, 55 Vaucluse Ave., Middletown, RI 02842.

The family would sincerely like to thank the family and friends who were so very supportive during the last year. The countless rides, meals, prayers and support have meant so very much.