Robert Smith Walker passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025 in Newport, RI. He was born November 22, 1934 in Manhattan, NY, the son of Frances Ammidon Walker and Charles Stow Walker. He was named for his paternal grandfather Dr. Robert Smith Walker.
Robert was educated at Brooks School, Yale College and Brown University, where he earned a master’s degree in History. He began his professional life as a secondary school teacher at private New England boarding schools. Although he changed careers in the 1970s, he remained a teacher at heart throughout his life and regarded this early vocation as the most meaningful and satisfying of his professional pursuits. For the remainder of his career he focused on real estate brokerage and historic preservation development, combining a practical sensibility with a deep appreciation for history and place. During these later years he was involved in numerous civic initiatives serving on various commissions, boards, and committees in Providence and Newport. Of greatest importance was his family, followed by friends, and his faith communities. He was an active and devoted member of Grace Episcopal Church Providence, Trinity Church Newport, and St. James Church Manhattan. He also remained a loyal and engaged alumnus of Brooks School and Yale throughout his life.
In retirement he and his wife Izabella Z. Walker traveled worldwide and often, including spending many Marches in their beloved Nice, France and wintering for twenty-five years in Manhattan. His passions included travel, sailing, gardening, the visual arts, classical and jazz music, singing, and dancing. He is predeceased by his wife Izabella and brother Daniel A Walker. He is survived by his four children and their spouses Sage Walker Bronzino (Mike), Andrew P. Walker (Tina), Benjamin H. Walker (Anna), and Charles K. Walker—along with seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and his brother, Charles S. Walker, Jr (Susan).
A funeral service will be held at Trinity Church, One Queen Anne Square, Newport, RI at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, followed by a private family reception.
A separate memorial service will be held at St. James Church in New York City, at a later date.
