Robert Poniatowski

Robert A. Poniatowski, 90, of Portsmouth, R.I., passed away on April 17, 2025. He was the husband of Helen Mello Poniatowski. He was born in Central Falls on January 8, 1935, the son of the late Joseph and Theresa (Desmarais) Poniatowski.

He graduated from Providence College in 1958, received his Master's Degree at Rhode Island College, and studied for his Doctorate at Boston University.

Mr. Poniatowski had a long career in education, first teaching at East Providence High School in the 60's. He then worked as an Assistant Principal in Westerly, R.I., and in Attleboro, Mass., before serving as Principal of Tiverton High School for 20 years, retiring in 1993. In addition, he served as a college instructor, teaching classes at Salve Regina University, Providence College, and Roger Williams University.

His second career passion was in the media, and he worked at numerous radio and television stations, including WJAR radio and TV and RIPBS Channel 36. Often using the alter ego "Bob Anthony," he did broadcasting work at radio stations WEAN and WLKW (Providence) WADK and WOTB (Newport) and WSAR (Fall River). For 30 years, he produced and directed programs on local cable access in Portsmouth (Channel 18), and also held an extra class Amateur Radio license, with the call sign AF1I.

In retirement, charitable service was also important to him, and he served with many community organizations. He was a member of the Portsmouth Free Public Library Board, President of the Retired Principals' Association, President of the local AARP Chapter (207), Instructor in the AARP Smart Driver Program, President of the Circle of Scholars at Salve Regina University. He was a lector and member of the Giving Help & Hope group at St. Barnabas Church in Portsmouth. He was a member of the Board of Directors at the Portsmouth Senior Center. He served on the State Senate Commission on Cable Television. For years, he was a reader for the visually impaired on Insight Radio.

He is survived by three children and their spouses: Lisa and her husband Tom Easley of Sherborn, Mass.; Mark and his wife Kari Poniatowski of Boston, Mass.; and John Poniatowski of Portsmouth. He also leaves four grandchildren: Amy and husband Luis Almanzar, Alex and Elise Poniatowski, and Will Easley. He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard and son, Matthew.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, R.I. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 23, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road in Portsmouth. Burial will be private.

Donations in his memory may be made to Southcoast Health at Home, St. Barnabas Church, or the Portsmouth Free Public Library.