Robert Joseph Emery

Robert Emery ObituaryPublished by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 6, 2026.Robert (Bob) Joseph Emery, born in Providence, Rhode Island on January 28, 1941, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026. An award-winning writer, producer, and director, Robert helmed eight feature films and more than 140 hours of cable network documentaries. His work earned numerous national and international honors, including multiple Golden Eagle Awards. He created and directed the acclaimed 91-episode Starz/Encore series - The Directors. He was an accomplished author, earning awards for his many books. His passion for storytelling began during his four years in the U.S. Air Force as a radio DJ on base where he once interviewed President Johnson. He went on to build a distinguished career in radio, advertising, film, and television, helping bring the film school to Florida State University, serving on the Florida Film Council, maintaining active membership in the Directors Guild of America, and receiving top honors from the American Film Institute. He lived in Tampa, Florida with his beloved wife of 63 years. Together they traveled widely, cherished time in Maine, and remained devoted to their New England family. He grew up in Bristol, RI and family was everything to him; he was deeply invested in the lives of his siblings, children, grandchildren, cousins, nephews and nieces. He had Ankylosing Spondylitis from the age of 23, a painful disease he faced with courage and determination, refusing to let it define him and choosing instead to live fully each day. He never met a stranger, had a sharp wit, and spoke his mind with conviction. An exceptional cook known for his Italian meals he was also a gifted gardener with a magic touch. He is survived by his wife Susanne Ley Emery and their daughter, Kelly Emery Warhola (Matthew), his daughter-in-law, Helen Emery and siblings, Pearl, Ken, Bernadette and Roberta. He has three grandchildren, Michael, Zachary, and Tyler. He is preceded in death by his parents Albert Joseph Emery, Angelina Arico Emery and his son Kevin Todd Emery. In lieu of flowers please donate to his supported charities of Save the Children or Mercy Ships Mission.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.