Robert James Lovett I died on December 22 at Southampton Hospital. Also known as “Pop,” he was 86.
A graduate of Hicksville High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army 1504th Army Air Force, flying B24 bombers as a captain in World War II, and married his high school sweetheart, Dorothea Rose Valentine.
The couple resided in Westbury, where he began working as a pilot for TWA. They spent only summers in Hampton Bays before moving there permanently in 1973. He continued working for TWA and retired as a captain after 35 years.
In his retirement he spent his time deep sea fishing, working on his automobiles, flying his Cessna and building his own homes.
He is survived by a daughter, Robin Lovett of Hampton Bays; four sons, Roger Lovett of Southampton and Robert James Lovett II, Richard Lovett and Ryan Lovett and his wife Deborah, all of Hampton Bays; a sister, Janet Thomas of Wainscott; two granddaughters, Kristy Galbraith and Cassandra Lovett; three grandsons, Ryan Lovett II, Robert Lovett and Riess Lovett; and a great-grandson, Cameron Galbraith.
His wife, Dorothea, and a grandson, Robert Lovett III, predeceased him.
Funeral services were held on December 27 at R.J. O’Shea Funeral Home in Hampton Bays. Cremation followed.
on Jan 5, 2009