ROBERT EVERETT KETTELL

KETTELL, ROBERT E. “BOB”, 92, of Coventry, proprietor of the former Quonset Open Air Market in North Kingstown, passed away peacefully at the Brentwood Nursing Home on Thursday, February 5, 2026. He was the beloved husband of Pasqualina “Patsy” (Iannotti) Kettell. The couple would have celebrated their 69th Wedding Anniversary in April. Born in and raised in Coventry, Robert was a son of the late Everett and Mary M. (Andrews) Kettell.

Bob learned to play the drums at five years of age, he had a natural talent. By age 15 he was a professional percussionist playing in several different groups. Bob graduated from Coventry High School, class of 1950. He went on to serve in the Korean War, stationed in Germany and playing in the US Army Band. After an honorable discharge, Bob was a drummer with the former Horace Magnan Band, Ed Drew Orchestra, and the Dixieland Pops Band that frequently played at PPAC, where his wife Patsy also sang. Bob and Patsy enjoyed world travel. They spent 42 consecutive winters at their residence in Aruba. A most memorable trip was to Monte Carlo, when Bob was invited to play a set with a Big Band at the resort. Bob was a skilled card player, enjoyed the nearby Casinos, and he was a lifelong New York Yankees baseball fan and New York Giants football fan.

 
He was the brother of the late Earl Kettell and his wife Lucy, and Shirley Atkinson and her husband George. Bob is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and great-great nieces and great-great nephews. 

Bob’s wishes and heartfelt advice are for us to enjoy our favorite music, spread kindness, and “Go Yankees!”

Visiting hours will be on Friday, February 13, 2026 from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 pm with a Funeral Service at 1:00 pm in the Iannotti Funeral Home, 415 Washington St., Coventry. Interment with military honors at Greenwood Cemetery will be private for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Beacon Hospice, 1130 Ten Rod Rd., Ste 205A, North Kingstown, RI 02852 or The Brentwood Nursing Home, 4000 Post Rd., Warwick, RI 02886 would be appreciated. iannottifh.com

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