Robert Urban Nannig

Robert Urban Nannig of North Kingstown, RI. Bob Nannig died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on March 26, 2024. Born November 27, 1958 to Urban Nannig and Francis Gannon Nannig, Bob was married to JoAnn Domingoes Nannig for 40 years. He was the proud father to Jade Medeiros and Haley Nannig, as well as grandfather to Ophelia Medeiros. He is survived by siblings Doug, Linda, Paul, and many nieces and nephews. Bob graduated from North Kingstown High School in 1976 and then went on to receive his Bachelor of Physical Education and Health from Springfield College in 1980. During his freshman year at Springfield he met his future wife and partner in all things, JoAnn. He received his Masters of Administration of Physical Education in 1999 from the University of Rhode Island. Bob spent his life advancing gymnastics in the state of Rhode Island. He was an All-State gymnast and competitive member of the Springfield College gymnastics team. After his years of competing were over he moved on to developing future gymnasts as a coach and teacher. Bob taught gymnastics at the North Kingstown Recreation Department and many private gymnastics clubs and camps, inspiring thousands of young athletes. He was the owner of the North Kingstown Gymnastics Club before becoming the head Women's Gymnastics Coach at Rhode Island College from 2003-2018. While coaching at RIC Bob was named the ECAC coach of the year (2012). Bob proudly coached his daughter Jade to numerous All-State gymnastics titles, passing on his legacy. Bob was an educator for 34 years in the Cranston School Department, ending his career at Cranston High School West. He received the RIAHPERD Physical Education Teacher of the year for developing numerous alternative physical education programs including kayaking, fishing, biking, and skateboarding as well as for his focus on helping children who struggled in traditional classroom settings. While still in high school Bob achieved the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America when he became an Eagle Scout. He also received the Order of the Arrow promoting camping, adventure, and service to others. His love of the outdoors didn’t end when he left the Boy Scouts. Bob loved the outdoors and outdoor sports, including: water skiing, camping, hiking, backcountry and alpine skiing, and was known for ripping it up in The White Mountains. Bob loved Shore Acres where he spent his lifetime boating on Fishing Cove and was the proud owner of The Optimist, his 30 foot Luhrs Sportfish. He was an avid fisherman and spent many summers with JoAnn living on his boat in Old Harbor and fishing off Block Island Sound. Bob loved to share his passion for the ocean, and introduced his friends, family, and coworkers to the sport of fishing. Urb was a founding member of the Bissel Cove Yacht Club and multiple year winner of the High Hook Fishing Tournament. Most recently, Bob used his woodworking and carpentry skills to restore Haley’s historic log cabin in Maine. In the process he passed on his knowledge of craftsmanship, hard work, and his positive DIY attitude to his daughter. Bob approached life with optimism and a positive attitude. He dedicated his life to his family, friends, athletes and students. He was happiest on the water with a fishing pole in hand. Bob– THE ULTIMATE OPTIMIST The family hopes you will join us for a Celebration of Life for Bob to be scheduled soon. In lieu of flowers consider donating in Bob’s honor to Save the Bay or Keeping Kids Fishing at 37B Meeting Street, Coventry, RI 02816, an organization teaching kids to fish and donating fishing gear to local youth.