Robert J. Bjerke, 74, of Post Road, Warwick, passed away on December 20, 2023, at Kent Hospital. Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Roald and Dorothy (Kolb) Bjerke.
He is survived by his brother, William “Bill” Bjerke and his wife Bette-Jo of Warwick. Bob is survived also by his 1st cousins and their families Craig Berke, Bruce Berke, Marilyn (Kolb) Michelson, and Robert (Bob) Kolb and dear friends that were his extended “family”.
Bob grew up in Warwick and graduated from Warwick Veterans Memorial High School in 1967 as a National Honor Society member. At Vets he played football and forged lifelong friendship where he earned his nickname, “The Beaver”.
He then became a member of the Corp of Cadets at Norwich University in Northfield, Vt where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Administration, graduating with honors in 1971. While at Norwich he continued to create lifelong friends while playing football and participating in other clubs and activities.
While working full time, Bob continued his higher education at Bryant University nights and weekends earning a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. His working history was varied starting his career as a Food Service Manager at hospitals in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, as a Controller for large businesses, and then as a self-employed Contractor building homes.
For the past ten years Bob was an Adjunct Professor teaching on-line courses for Thomas Edison State University, NJ, receiving the highest rating reviews from his students.
Bob followed in his dad’s example being a Mason at the Dewitt Clinton Lodge in Northfield, Vt and a Scottish Rite Mason at Cranston, RI and also a proud Rhode Island Shriner.
A Celebration of Life for Robert in the Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home, 659 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick, RI will be held on a later date. Burial will be private for the family.
