Robert H. Harrison Jr., 57, of Warren, RI, was taken by pancreatic cancer on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 with his loving wife and daughter by his side. The son of the late Robert Sr. and Clara (Bednarchuk) Harrison and the beloved husband of Sara (Ferreira) Harrison, Robert was born and raised in Michigan until he moved to Storrs, CT at the age of 14, where he graduated from E.O. Smith High School and made lifelong friends.

Life and work took Rob to Rhode Island and then to Chicago, where he attended Kendall College of Culinary Arts. He went on to cook in several 5-star restaurants in Chicago, and was the Executive Chef at excellent restaurants in Rhode Island, including Raphael’s Bar-Risto, RiRa, Mill’s Tavern, and Conanicut Yacht Club. The friendships made in the restaurant industry were strong, and Rob was so proud to work with so many talented people. During the pandemic Robert made a career change into finance and proudly joined Fidelity Investments, earning his licenses as a broker/trader. Luckily for his family and friends, his love for cooking only increased, and he made many wonderful meals for the people he cherished.

Rob loved sports, especially football, baseball and hockey. He had a dual nature as far as his favorite teams were concerned: his Chicago side and his New England side. He cheered on the Bears and the Patriots, the Cubs and the Red Sox, the Bruins and the Blackhawks. His greatest sports moment in recent history was watching the Michigan Wolverines win the National Championship. Maize and Blue forever. Rob loved Fantasy Football, and was the Commissioner of the family league and the first winner of the Caron Crown.

Rob always kept up with current events and politics and was a wealth of knowledge in those matters. He was quick with a sharp, smart burn in the comments sections on Facebook, and friends loved reading those every day. Rob enjoyed golfing, sending funny animal videos and memes to his friends and family.

His greatest passions were Sara and Leith, the loves of his life. He loved to make them laugh, surprise Sara with little gifts and flowers just to make her smile, and would eagerly await his cookbook from Leith each Christmas. His smile, laughter, and loving heart will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

In addition to his beloved wife and best friend, Sara, Robert is survived by his adored daughter, Claire “Leith” Harrison and her fiancée Reide Pearson of MO; his in-laws Anthony and Rosemary Ferreira of Swansea, MA; his “Bro Namath” brother-in-law Neal Ferreira and sister-in-law Devan of Haverhill, MA; his favorite nephews, Oliver and Lucas Ferreira and treasured niece Genevieve Ferreira; Claire’s mother, Martha Harrison of Chicago, and her parents, Michael and Bessie Papigiotis of North Kingstown, RI, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who loved him very much.

Arrangements are with Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Rd. Warren, RI. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in Christ Church, 57 Main St. Swansea, MA on Saturday, April 13th at 10am.

For tributes, please visit: www.wjsmithfh.com.