Robert Hanan Zexter, 81, died peacefully on January 20 surrounded by his family after a brave and willful fight to overcome his illness. For more than 50 years he was an antiques dealer who traveled and did business throughout the United States. He was an inspiration, mentor and friend not only to his children and grandchildren, but also to many other antiques dealers.
Zexter was the son of the late Lillian and Abraham Zexter, and the beloved husband of Nancy Zexter for 50 years. He is also survived by his sons, Philip Zexter, and his wife Kelly Zexter, and Michael Zexter, and his wife Lin Zexter, and his daughter Melissa Zexter, and her husband Lance Kaiser. He was a loving and devoted grandfather to Lily and Ethan Zexter, Mirabelle and Odille Zexter-Kaiser and Joshua and Colin Zexter. His brother Ronald Zexter also survives him.
Originally from Providence, he received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island and a master’s degree from the University of Southern California, where he studied international business. Up until his final hours of life, Zexter continued with his business, Robert Zexter Antiques, which was his true passion in life. His love of antiques and history was also part of his everyday life as evidenced by the homes in which he lived.
For 16 years, he and his family lived in and restored a 300-year-old house in Bristol, R.I., and for the past 30 years he and Nancy lived in a historical home in Swansea, Mass., which he referred to as his “castle” that he never wanted to leave.
Zexter was also a former baseball scout for the Baltimore Orioles, and his love and extensive knowledge of baseball continued throughout his life. His love of swimming and the water was a therapeutic part of his life and he continued to swim everyday until he was no longer able to do so.
Donations may be made in his memory to The Miriam Hospital Foundation, PO Box H, Providence, RI 02901.
