Robert Harrison Rettew

Robert H Rettew, age 71, passed away on July 31, 2023 after a rapid progression of Parkinson’s Disease. Bob (Rob, R2) was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 3, 1951 to Robert and Phyllis (Kirkpatrick) Rettew. He was raised in Scarsdale, NY and attended St. Paul’s School. After graduating from Yale University and working in the publishing industry for two years, Bob traded the big cities for Londonderry, New Hampshire in search of a quieter life and to focus on writing. There, he worked on a friend’s apple farm, where he met his wife Annie. They continued to work together for another five harvests.

He then went on to get his Master of Library and Information Studies at the University of Rhode Island and worked at Inforonics in Littleton, MA and Bristol Community College in Fall River, MA before settling at Salve Regina University for five years. During their time in Rhode Island, all three of their children were born. The family returned to New Hampshire when Bob accepted a position at St. Paul’s School, where they lived on grounds for 22 years. While at SPS, he obtained his Master of Education at Harvard Graduate School of Education. His professional career was devoted to the well-being and teaching of his students.

Bob was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time maintaining the garden and yard at the home they retired to in Concord. He leaves his wife Annie; children Katie, John and Elizabeth; his sister Robin and many in-laws, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and brother Kirk.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Michael J Fox Foundation at www.michaeljfox.org , St Paul’s School for funding of scholarships www.sps.edu/make-a-gift , or simply sit and enjoy a book in his memory.

We also encourage everyone to participate in the Michael J Fox Foundation’s Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative to research and put an end to Parkinson’s Disease at www.michaeljfox.org/ppmi

A memorial gathering will be held on September 6, 2023 at The Barn at Bull Meadow 63 Bog Rd Concord, NH. Please stop by anytime between the hours of 4:00 and 7:00 PM.