Obituary of Robert J. Newton

BRANT LAKE: Robert “Newt” Newton, 87, of Brant Lake, NY, son of the late Clinton and Frances (Remington) Newton, passed away after a long illness at Elderwood in Ticonderoga on February 27, 2023.

Bob came into this world on November 21, 1935 at his home in Horicon, NY.  He graduated in 1954 from Horicon Central School where he played football, baseball and basketball.  While Bob was nineteen years old he met the love of his life Gertrude Person at a square dance.  On June 23, 1956 Bob and Gertrude married at the Bolton Baptist Church.  Gertrude honored those vows, as she beautifully cared for Bob during the last many years of his life.

Throughout Bob’s life he worked in various car dealerships and road construction until his final career which was Camp Ranger at Curtis S Read for 28 years.  Bob loved his community and it showed by his service to various organizations. He was a volunteer fireman with the Horicon Fire Department for over 60 years of active service, he served on the Horicon Town Board for 12 years and was President of Brant Lake Trailers Snowmobile Club.

Bob had many nicknames but the two that stand out is “Newt” and “Rose”.  He was an outdoor enthusiast. He loved hunting, fishing, trapping, snowmobiling, and loved race cars (#8 Ball Car).  Bob loved watching NASCAR, spending time with his family and friends and a “Black Velvet night cap”.  He was the North Country MacGyver.  Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and dear friend.  Throughout his career at Curtis S Read he was a mentor to many youth & staff that passed through year after year.  His occasional “shot gun wakeup call”, pulling staff out of the ditch and his faithful devotion will be remembered by many.  Bob and his wife Gert were so well loved at Curtis S Read, the council dedicated the new Dining Hall to them and named it “Newton Hall”. 

Bob’s quote:  “Use your judgement…you know what to do”

Left to cherish Bob’s memory is his wife Gertrude of 66 years; children Benny Newton, Greta Manning, Robert (Todd) Newton and Sherry (Charlie) Granger; grandchildren Billie Jo (JR) Pratt, Craig (Amanda Brochu) House, Ashley (Mike McTauge) LaVine, Katelyn Hill and Hannah (Jordon) Granger; great grandchildren Matthew, Carter, Kelsey, Robbie, Connor, Jake, Ryan and Cliff; sister Betty Newton and many nieces and nephews.

Bob’s family would like to thank all the staff at Elderwood in Ticonderoga for their compassion and care.

In lieu of flowers please send donations in Bob’s memory to Horicon Fire Department, P.O. Box 120, Brant Lake, NY 12815 or Camp Read, Bob & Gert Campership in memo, Curtis S Read Scout Reservation, 1377 Palisades Rd., Brant Lake, NY 12815

Friends may call on Bob’s family from 4pm – 7pm, Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at the Alexander Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. A memorial service will follow at 7pm.

Burial will be conducted at 11am, Saturday, May 13, 2023 in Brant Lake Cemetery, 6694 State Route 8, Brant Lake. 

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book, condolences, and directions.