Robert L. Newell, Jr, died October 12, 2006, at age 54 of complications of melanoma. A graduate of Kingswood School and Gettysburg College ’74, Bob began in the antiques and appraisal business in the greater Hartford area under the late Paul Cooley in 1974. He established his own business in the field of fine and decorative arts appraisals in 1981, serving such corporate clients as Culbro, the Travelers and Shawmut Bank, and museum collections including the Wadsworth Athenaeum, the Mark Twain Memorial and the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center.

Bob participated in numerous Appraisal Days, always enjoying the company of his peers. In addition to 32 years of appraisals for private individuals, he was always gratified by his long-term relationship and friendship with the Nadeau family (Nadeau Auction Gallery, Inc, of Windsor, Conn.) as the “House Cataloger.” A tribute to Bob that appeared in the catalog of a Nadeau auction shortly after his death was much appreciated by his family.

Bob will be remembered throughout the trade not only for his knowledge of and passion for his profession, but as a true gentleman of the highest integrity.

Bob was the son of Sally (Erdman) Newell Belding and the late Robert L. Newell, and the stepson of Maxwell M. Belding. In addition to his mother and step-father, Bob leaves siblings Sally N. Huss and her husband John of Manchester, Mass.; Helen N. Douglas of West Harford, Conn.; Katharine N. Chiodo, of Windsor, Conn.; and William H. Newell II and his wife Meg, of Newtown, Penn.