Obituary: Robert F. Dixon, 69, Of Waterford

Written by Byles-MacDougall Funeral Service

Robert F. Dixon, 69, of Waterford, passed away peacefully at home Friday, Dec. 1, 2017, after a brief illness. Born in Newport, RI, on July 5, 1948, he was the son of Robert Dixon, Jr., and Helen Dixon.

He graduated New London High School and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Environmental Design) and a Bachelor of Architecture from Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).

Bob started his work life as an Intern Architect working summers for Sol B. Bernstein, AIA, and after graduation began a 32-year career with the State of Connecticut, starting as Intern Architect and soon moving into telecommunications management and information technology.

He rose through the ranks from various analytical and director positions, including Director of Telecommunications, and retiring as Department of Information Technology—Director of Operations.

In 2003, Bob along with his business partner Gary Therrien, formed Advantech Group, LLC. The firm provides consulting services to state and local government agencies, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations.

Scope of services includes project planning, developing technical architecture, procurement strategies, quality assurance and project management.

Bob served 10 years as a term trustee and 15 years as an honorary trustee of RISD. In Waterford, he was president of Friends of Harkness and president of Rope Ferry Commons.

Bob enjoyed travelling all over the United States, especially up and down the west coast, visiting national parks, including white water rafting.

International destinations included New Zealand, Germany, the Caribbean where he sailed on Stars & Stripes 87 (US-55) in St. Martin, and most recently Japan, studying the work of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

He supported the arts and conservation efforts, and continued a lifelong interest in classical music, attending live performances as often as possible. He especially enjoyed the Boston Symphony and the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra.

He is survived by his sister Valerie and her husband Larry Constantine of Port St Lucie, FL and Block Island, RI; his brother Christopher of Norwich and his wife Mary Ann; his niece, Kimberly and her husband Dean Sypher of Lebanon; a close friend Anne Agee of Maryland, and several cousins.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington Street, New London.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at St. Joseph Church, Squire Street, New London. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Jefferson Avenue, New London.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Friends of Harkness Memorial State Park, Inc., P.O. Box 10, Waterford, CT 06385.

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