Robert Hill Britton died on December 19, 2020 at his home in Florida. He recently celebrated his 98th birthday. Born and raised in Plainfield N.J., Robert was the son of the late Lester Hill and Helen McEwen Britton. After his mother’s passing, Robert was raised by his father and stepmother Ruth Swaffield Britton.
Robert graduated from Plainfield High School in 1940. He was an honor student every semester at Lafayette College, inducted into the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, graduating with a degree in Economics, class of 1944.
Robert was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He served in the U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant, in “the Golden Lions” of the 106th Infantry Division, the 424th Regiment. During the Battle of the Bulge, he was wounded, hospitalized in Paris and recovered in England and returned to his Regiment. He received commendations for his acts of bravery; the Bronze Star twice, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Purple Heart. On V-J day, Robert was on a troop ship, returning to the States for assignment in the South Pacific. He was instead assigned to Fort McClellan in Alabama and released from service in 1946. He returned home and in 1947, married Helen (“Chris”) Christensen, the best friend of his sister Barbara. They lived in Plainfield, until Robert was called back into service in 1950 during the Korean War. He and Helen were stationed at numerous Army Bases stateside; Fort Dix in New Jersey, Ford Hood in Texas, and Fort Reilly in Kansas. Upon his discharge from the Army in 1952, Robert, and Helen settled in Mountainside, N.J. where they lived for over 30 years. He then divided his time between Westfield, N.J., Florida, and his beloved Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire.
Robert’s entire professional career was a dealer in U.S. Government Securities at Briggs, Schaedle & Co., Inc. At his retirement, he was Vice Chairman. In addition, he served on the Federal Advisory Council to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, and served on the Board of Directors of the Dime Savings Bank. Robert was committed to a life of service. He was an Eagle Scout, a founding member and Elder at The Community Presbyterian Church in Mountainside, President of the Board of Education in Mountainside, President of Echo Lake
Country Club, and a Trustee Emeritus at Lafayette College.
Robert loved sports; was an excellent golfer and tennis player, and an enthusiastic spectator. He loved all music, played the clarinet, and his mellow baritone could be heard if you were seated near him in church. Once retired, he and Helen enjoyed travel which took them too many countries and continents.
Robert was of the highest character and integrity, always a gentleman, and devoted husband, father and grandfather.
He is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Helen Christensen Britton; his son, Bruce Christensen Britton (wife Andrea); daughter, Pamela Britton Kolb (husband David); grandchildren, Kirsten Kolb, Adla Britton and Owen Britton; sister, Louise Basbas, and nieces and nephews and their children.
He was predeceased by his grandson, Erik Britton Kolb.
A family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Erik Britton Kolb ’02 Memorial Scholarship, Lafayette College 307 Markle Hall, Easton, Pennsylvania 18042-1770.
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