Memorial Tribute Established Honoring Robert (Bob) J. Carbone
August 21, 2025 | 4 min to read
A memorial tribute through the American Floral Endowment honors Robert (Bob) J. Carbone, who passed away just before his 94th birthday. Recognized for his 72 years of impactful leadership in the floral industry, Bob founded the RJ Carbone Company and pioneered the import of fresh-cut flowers from South America. His commitment to family and the floral community is remembered fondly, and contributions can be made in his honor through the memorial tribute established by Harrison “Red” Kennicott.
A memorial tribute has been established through the American Floral Endowment (AFE) honoring Robert (Bob) J. Carbone, who passed away on August 14, 2025, five days shy of his 94th birthday. The tribute was created by Harrison “Red” Kennicott of Kennicott Brothers in recognition of Bob’s enduring dedication, innovation, and leadership in the floral industry.
Bob was a devoted family man and visionary business leader whose impact shaped floral distribution throughout the Northeast. He founded the RJ Carbone Company in 1953, and for 72 years, he and his family grew it from humble beginnings into one of the region’s major wholesale floral distributors. Through his early support for importing fresh-cut flowers from South America, Bob redefined the industry’s business model and laid the groundwork for decades of growth.
Bob’s influence extended well beyond his own company. He served on the Board of Directors of two national trade associations: the Wholesale Florist and Floral Suppliers of America, where he served as President in 1988, and the American Floral Endowment, where he served as Chairman in 2001. He was also a long‑standing member of the Cranston Rotary Club and was inducted into the Cranston Hall of Fame in 1991.
“Bob was a true leader in our industry,” said Red Kennicott. “His foresight and deep commitment to our profession helped elevate the industry to where it is today. He built a business grounded in integrity and family values, and he gave back generously through decades of service. His legacy will continue to guide and inspire us.”
He cherished family above all else. He is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Elaine, their children Thomas and Jeanne, Linda and John, Stephen and Cheryl, and Patricia and Christopher, along with twelve grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Bob and Elaine spent thirty wonderful winters in Palm Springs with family and friends, always surrounded by warmth, laughter, and love.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, August 21st from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Russell J. Boyle and Son Funeral Homes, 142 Centerville Road, Warwick, Rhode Island. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 22nd at 10 AM at St. Luke’s Church in East Greenwich, 99 Peirce Street, followed by burial at Swan Point Cemetery, 585 Blackstone Boulevard, Providence, Rhode Island.
You can honor Bob’s memory with a contribution to the Bob Carbone Memorial Tribute through AFE. Contributions can be made online here or by sending a check with this form to AFE.
American Floral Endowment
c/o Bob Carbone Memorial Tribute
610 Madison Street, Suite 101, PMB 803
Alexandria, VA 22314
The family will be notified of all gifts, which may be made in any amount.
Bob’s legacy will live on through his family, the business he built, and the many lives he touched in the floral community.
About AFE
The American Floral Endowment is the industry’s trusted source and catalyst for floriculture advancement through funding of innovative research, scholarships, internships, and educational grants that best serve the dynamic needs and demographics of all industry sectors. Help AFE continue to support floriculture programs now and in the future. To learn more about AFE or make a tax-deductible contribution, visit www.endowment.org.