William Robert Van Voast, 73, of Bristol, R.I., passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence.

He was the husband of Paula Ann (Piccirilli) Van Voast.

Born in Fall River, Mass., he was the son of the late Donald W. and Victoria I. (Mansi) Van Voast.

Mr. Van Voast was the owner and operator of Van’s Electric from 1989 until the present. He was a communicant of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. He had also worked at Carol Cable in Lincoln and at Kaiser Aluminum in Portsmouth as a supervisor for many years, but his greatest passion was serving the town he called home with dedicated volunteer service with the Bristol Fire Department in active capacity for over 50 years, attaining the rank of Deputy Chief. 

He was inspired by his mother Victoria, who was a charter member of the Ladies Auxiliary, and his dad Donald, who was a charter member of Engine 4 Fog Squad and Captain of the Dreadnaught Hook and Ladder Company #1. He was a life member of the Defiance Hose Company #1, currently serving as clerk, an active member of Engine 4 Fog Squad, a life member of the RI State Firefighter’s league, receiving their highest award of Firefighter of the Year, was a life member of Fire Police, attaining the rank of captain, and was currently serving as secretary/treasurer.

He was a life member of Fireman’s Memorial and Welfare Committee, attaining status of chairman twice to lead the memorial parade, currently serving as secretary/treasurer, and was a very active part of making the Fireman’s Memorial Sunday services happen every year. He was also over a 40-year member of the Muster and Water Battle Committee, a 1041 and 1403 certified classroom and live fire Firefighter instructor.

He received the Vicki Van Voast Award for his dedication to the department and was currently secretary of the Colt Memorial Ambulance Fund. He served to support countless clamboil fundraisers over the years from Defiance Hose Company #1, Old Timers Bristol Fire, Engine 4, RI Fire Chiefs annual and Sons of Italy.

His dedication to the department and Town of Bristol over the years was so far and wide, words do not exist to fully explain the person he was, to offer any help he could to anyone at any time, in which credit also needs to be given to his wife Paula of nearly 50 years for supporting him for all he was involved in and all he was able to attain in his lifetime.

Besides his wife, he is survived by two sons, Donald Van Voast and his wife Stephanie of Bristol, R.I., and Eric Van Voast and his wife Nicole of Coventry, R.I., and four grandchildren, Giovanni, Victoria, Jaxon, and Carter.

Arrangements are by Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Road, Warren, where friends will be received on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, at 9 a.m., from Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Road, Warren, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 141 State St., Bristol.

Burial will take place in North Burial Ground, Hope Street, Bristol

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bristol Firefighters Memorial and Welfare Committee, 4 Annawamscutt Dr., Bristol, RI, 02809.

Information/On-Line condolences please visit- www.wjsmithfh.com