Robert Lelle
Former Southampton resident Robert Lelle, known as “Bob” and the “Alphabet Man,” died in Paris on March 13 after a brief illness.
Born on July 19, 1934, his love of art and baseball became a lifelong passion. He had lived in Southampton for 12 years, having moved from Nantucket. A graduate of University of California at Los Angeles, he briefly played outfield for the New York Yankees, followed by a successful career in advertising. He was a founding partner and creative director of North Castle Partners in Greenwich, and later a consultant to Ocean Spray. His second career as an artist was a highly successful one, selling out the entire collection, every collection, before the show opened. His latest, Alphabet de la Mode II, will be presented at Pierre’s in Bridgehampton in June with a reception on June 2 at 3 p.m.
A memorial service is also planned that day at Queen of the Most Holy Rosary church in Bridgehampton at 10:30 a.m.
Mr. Lelle was predeceased by his wife Rene; children, Robina of Connecticut and Jennifer of Los Angeles; grandchildren, Olivia, Jake, Janci Irene and Liana Marie; and his companion, Lainey Breakstone of Southampton.
on May 7, 2012