Robert Craig Wells

Robert C. Wells, 66, of Boston MA (formerly of Raleigh, NC; Washington, DC; New York City; San Francisco, Paris and London) passed away unexpectedly on the evening of September 9th while being treated for a heart condition.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Christine Petersen, with whom he shared 28 years of partnership, marriage, parenting and a life crammed full of memories; his adored daughter, Charlotte Wells, his 2 dogs, Reno and Monty, and a world of family and friends.

Robert was born in High Point,NC, a son of George and Peggy (Blakely) Wells. His father owned auto dealerships while growing up which left Robert with the uncanny ability to identify all vintage car make, model and years, which he did often.

At High Point Central High School, he was captain of the debate team which will come to no surprise to many as he debated early, often and occasionally with himself. His love of language, speaking and writing were evident throughout his life. A proud UNC Chapel Hill alum, he hated Duke basketball with a passion and was never more animated than when the Tar Heels and Blue Devils were playing.

After receiving his JD from Wake Forest University, Robert had a long, successful and varied career in public policy and corporate affairs, spending well over a decade with Citibank, as well as roles with Affymetrix, GE and the OECD among others. As a side hustle, he worked on political campaigns and advance trips starting with Michael Dukakis’ presidential campaign (though he was not responsible for the tank photo opp) through Hillary Clinton’s senatorial campaign.

Robert and Christine met in 1997 in New York City on a blind date set up by a mutual friend. They married in 1998 at the Old South Church in Boston. Their time together was full of travel, culture, fun, great meals, creating and singing songs about their pets, and love. They welcomed their daughter Charlotte in 2004 and not knowing any better, brought her along on their travels and to great meals creating a world traveler and petite gourmande. Robert was the proudest dad ever and would drop everything for the Bunny. Central to his love of family was the travel they did - all over Europe, China, Africa, around and across the United States. His specialty was “daddy/daughter” bonding trips and cooking for his family. He was a fabulous and elaborate cook, creating some spectacular messes in the kitchen.

Robert’s love language were his acts of service for his family. Coffee for his wife every morning, midnight milkshakes for his daughter were all part of his day.

Robert left an enormous footprint on this world and now a Robert-shaped hole in our hearts.

A Memorial Service will be held, Saturday, September 27th at 10:30am in Old South Church’s Gordon Chapel, 645 Boylston St. (corner of Boylston and Dartmouth Streets), Boston, MA 02116. All are welcome.

All expressions of sympathy, including flowers, cards, and honorary donations are welcome in Robert’s name to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or online at https://www.heart.org/en/why-give