Robert Francis Wetter Of Southampton Dies February 5

Robert Francis Wetter of Southampton died at home surrounded by his family on February 5, following a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 76.

Born to Frank and Isabell Wetter in 1945, Wetter was raised in Wantagh, where his father was the proprietor of the Wantagh Hotel. He graduated from Wantagh High School after graduating from parochial elementary school St. Frances de Chantal, and attending Uniondale’s preparatory seminary, St. Pius X. After a year at St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa, Wetter enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where from 1965 to 1967 he served aboard the aircraft carriers Shangri La and the Forrestal.

Visiting a school friend in Westhampton Beach, he met and married Linda Romano, with whom he settled in Hampton Bays, and then North Sea, where they raised sons Christopher and Keith.

Most of his working career was spent with the local telephone company, beginning as an installer/repairman for AT&T and retiring as an engineer for Verizon.

Summers, Wetter and his family boated on the Peconic Bay, a body of water he loved and respected. Another great passion was automobiles, owning everything from Fords to MGs to BMWs. His appreciation of music spanned doo-wop, Motown and classic country. A grateful patriot, Wetter loudly broadcast from his stereo Ray Charles’s “America the Beautiful” every Fourth of July.

Six feet four inches tall, gentle, graceful and handsome as the day is long — without seeming to know it — Wetter had a quiet charisma that drew people to seek his friendship and counsel, according to his family.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Linda; sister, Kathleen Barineau, of Donalsonville, Georgia; his sons and six grandchildren, all of whom enjoyed his good-natured teasing.

He will be interred at Calverton National Cemetery at a private service. A Mass will be celebrated at the Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Southampton on May 16 at 10:30 a.m., with a gathering to follow at a place to be determined.