Robert Kent Sheldon, 73, well-known antiques dealer and retired building contractor, died February 20 at his home in Newtown, Conn., following a five-year battle with cancer. Born August 17, 1935, in Milford, Conn., to Myra and the late Kenneth Wilson Sheldon, Mr Sheldon grew up in New Jersey and attended schools there. He lived in Newtown for more than 40 years, most recently with his fiancée, Linda Day.

Mr Sheldon was an expert in majolica and early American pattern glass, and a permanent exhibitor at major East Coast antiques shows. Prior to his antiques career, Mr Sheldon owned Sheldon Building, a remodeling company.

He leaves a large family, including nine children, of whom the closest to his family circle include Edward Lundblad of Newtown, Lorraine Buck of West Haven, Doreen Sargent of Northford, Douglas Sheldon of Shelton and Daniel Sheldon of Barrington Hills, Ill.; and sisters, Jane Sharpe and her husband, Donald, of Newtown, and Lynne Fay and her husband, David, of Otis, Mass. He also had 14 grandchildren; and a number of stepchildren and step-grand-children.

A public celebration of his life will be conducted at the Sharpe home, 62 Underhill Road, Newtown, between noon and 2 pm, Saturday, February 28. Burial will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.