Roxann Press

Roxann Press, wife of the late Dr. Robert Press, quietly passed away on July 27, 2024 at the Grand Islander Center in Middletown, RI. She had recently celebrated her 93rd birthday. Roxann was born in Rochester, NY on July 24, 1931, the daughter of Virginia Gordon Foster and David Mills Platt and the step daughter of Carlton N. Foster. She was professionally trained in Radiography and Radiation Oncology Technology at Strong Memorial Hospital, an affiliate of the University of Rochester. She was then employed at Lenox Hill Hospital and soon became the Chief Technician at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. She later worked at Beth Israel Hospital. As a medical technician, working with seriously ill patients, she was known and was commended for her kindness, compassion and professionalism. During her time in New York City, she met Bob, the man who would steal her heart. They married in July of 1959. During regular vacations to Block Island and their stays at the Viking Hotel in Newport, Roxann and Bob fell in love with the City of Newport. In 1990, when she retired from Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown, N.Y., they decided to move to Aquidneck Island, making their home in Portsmouth. Their long and happy marriage ended with Bob’s death in 1996. While living in Portsmouth, Roxann was employed by the Preservation Society of Newport as a Tour Guide for the Newport Mansions. She also worked at the Redwood Library, where she made many lasting friendships. Roxann always had a great love for animals. She and her husband took in many homeless dogs and cats throughout their marriage. She was a Volunteer at the Robert Potter League for Animals for 25 years, first working in the cat wing and later, at a desk, making hundreds of follow-up phone calls to the pet adopters. During those years, she was also a dedicated foster mom for litters of kittens. She volunteered as well at the Griffin Shop of the Newport Art Museum. As you can see, Roxann was a most accomplished woman. She loved books and music and she created beautiful needlework art pieces, as well. She was full of endless curiosity and never lost the desire to discover and learn about new places. So after Bob’s passing, she fearlessly traveled the world on her own or with tour groups. She especially treasured her trips to England and Iceland, making friends, easily, wherever she went. Roxann’s beloved friends became her family. She will be greatly missed and will never be forgotten by all who knew her. It was her request that any donations in her memory be made to the Potter League for Animals, 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI 02842 or at www.PotterLeague.org.