Robert Herndon "Bob" Dickinson, 75, of Newtown, and formerly of Ridgefield, died September 12 at Yale-New Haven Hospital. He was born in Oak Hill, W.Va., on November 19, 1941, the youngest child of Nelle (Lilly) and Fred W. Dickinson.

His wife, Sandra (Vincent) Dickinson; daughter, Amy Dickinson; son-in-law, John Morris of Danbury; sister, Sue Todorovich of Scottsboro, Ala.; brother, Fred W. Dickinson, and his wife Donna, of Oak Hill; and many nieces and nephews survive him.

His brother, L. Eugene Dickinson, predeceased him.

Mr Dickinson graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in electrical engineering technology. Following the passage of the Clean Water and Clean Air Acts, he returned to West Virginia University and received a master's degree in air pollution control from the Department of Civil Engineering, magna cum laude. This was the first Master's Level Pollution Control Program in the United States.

After working several years as an electrical engineer with the Monongahela Power Company, he went to work for Westvaco, a paper company, where he would spend 30 years, eventually reaching a senior leadership position, vice president of environmental. Although his work was often challenging, he enjoyed success and found the outcomes rewarding.

Mr Dickinson was a member of Phi Kappa Psi, Order of Helvetica, and the Newtown Lions Club.

Always charming, always the gentleman, Mr Dickinson enjoyed his weekly rounds to local stores where he would visit with the shopkeepers and employees. He had many interests, including reading, woodworking, and current events. Mr Dickinson also loved animals, especially his Labradoodle, Charlie, who was allowed to visit at Yale-New Haven Hospital and brightened his last days.

Friends may call at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Friday, September 15, from 5 to 7 pm.

Funeral Services will be Saturday, September 16, at 10 am, also at Honan Funeral Home. Interment to follow in the Newtown Village Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a local food bank and one can sign up to be an organ donor.

To leave an online condolence, visit honanfh.com.