Robert E. "Binky" Blett

Robert E. Blett “Binky”, 94, of Westerly, passed away surrounded by the love of his family at L & M Hospital on Monday, July 30, 2018. He was the husband of the late Claire (Hammarstrom) Blett. Born in Auburn, MA on September 16, 1923, he was the son of the late Peter and Bertha (Daniels) Blett.

Robert dedicated his life to military service beginning in the Army during World War II. He was a part of the 1st Infantry Division as a combat medic landing on Omaha Beach during D-Day as a part of the third wave. He was involved in the Battle of the Bulge, Huetgen Forest and Bonn & Remagen. He received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for his bravery. Robert transferred from the Army to the Air Force and spent the next 20 years in several positions to include being a Radar Operator during the time of the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. He used the opportunities given to him from his service to attend Clark University where he was able to work and finish a Bachelor’s Degree. In his free time, he enjoyed working with his hands and building things along with ceramics and oil painting. He especially enjoyed doing coloring books with his great-granddaughter Sloane. Most importantly he loved his family, and vacations together were some of his most cherished memories. He was so thankful to get back to Omaha Beach one last time and beyond blessed for the life, memories, and family he had. Binky will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He leaves his daughter Sharon M. Bailey and her husband Ernie; his grandchildren Margo, Elaine, Corinne, Robby, Rob, Jonathan, and Rianna; his great-grandchildren Wilfred, Joel, Noah, Madison, Joshua, Ava, Claire, Alexandria, Teagan, Christina and Sloane, who was the light of his life; along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his step-son Lawrence Haire, his granddaughter Christina, his brother Frederick Barry, and sister Doris (Barry) Ponte.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, August 5, 2018 from 2:00p.m. to 4:00p.m. at the Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main St. Westerly, RI 02891. Following the calling hours the family will share a few words of remembrance. Committal services will be held on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at 11:00a.m. at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery. All are welcome to meet at the cemetery administration building at 10:45am if you wish to attend.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in his name to ‘The Greatest Generations Foundation’ at tggf.org.

For online condolences, please visit www.buckler-johnston.com

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