Robert William Welty

Robert Welty, 93, of Jamestown, died peacefully on August 18, 2019. Born in Lodi, California, the youngest of a large family, he was a veteran of WWII, having served in the Third Army in the European Theater. For part of his time in the Army, he played trumpet in a band that entertained the troops. After the war, he attended the University of Southern California. In 1958, he and his wife of two years, Marcia, left the West Coast, driving across the country and relocating in Connecticut for the next 35 years. There, they raised two children, and Robert rose through the ranks at three prominent advertising agencies in New York City.

When it came time to retire, he and Marcia chose Jamestown. They had taken up sailing when they moved east, and in Jamestown they joined the Conanicut Yacht Club, where Robert at one point became a trustee. His love of boating never left him; even after Marcia passed away in 2010, he continued to sail alone in his small sloop, Elf. Until just a few weeks ago, Robert was contentedly enjoying the community and warmth of Jamestown. He loved his Tuesday lunches with the guys, his mornings at the Fitness Center, and his zen view of the bay from his porch.

Besides his Jamestown friends, he leaves behind family members who miss him more than words can say. He and Marcia leave behind their daughter Ellen (Michael) of Providence and son Matthew (Sue) of Atlanta, and grandchildren Sawyer and Kate. He also leaves behind his devoted companion, Constance B. Thomas. There will be a gathering and luncheon to celebrate his life on at 12:00pm on October 11, 2019, at the Conanicut Yacht Club, 40 Bay View Drive, Jamestown, RI.