Memorial Minute for Robert Pitfield Lovett IV

Bob Lovett died on March 25, 2010 at Pennswood Village, Newtown, PA, at the age of 93. Bob was the beloved husband of Helen Fay Lovett for 62 years, and father to Robert, Laura and Ann.

Bob was a life-long Quaker, son of Robert and Caroline Lovett. He grew up in Fallsington, PA. His family had farmed in Fallsington for seven generations, one of the original Penn land grant families. The family moved into the village of Fallsington upon his father’s death when Bob was 10. Bob attended Fallsington Friends School and Westtown School. He was active in the Burlington-Bucks Young Friends Fellowship, where he made many life-long friends. He was an active member of Newtown Meeting for more than 40 years, serving for many years on the finance committee. After moving to Pennswood, Bob and Helen often attended the Pennswood Worship Group.

Bob’s Quaker beliefs were evident throughout his life. He was a conscientious objector during World War II, serving in the Civilian Public Service and the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, a geological survey team in the Southwestern U.S. He later trained as a machinist.

Bob was a self-employed cabinet maker for 35 years, during which time he created a multitude of fine custom furniture pieces, which are a sustaining legacy evident at Newtown Meeting, Pennswood Village and in the homes for many family members and friends . For 10 years, Bob worked as a craftsman in the studios of furniture designer George Nakashima in New Hope, PA. Not only did he make George’s furniture designs come into being, he also helped George realize visions for many buildings in his compound. Bob’s reverence for wood, for beauty and simplicity are evident in his work.

Bob designed and built his own stone home at Woodhill (Upper Makefield), with an expansive view of Jericho Mountain. He loved to travel to spend time with family and friends. He was an avid and skilled gardener, a great reader and a serious stamp collector and jig-saw puzzler. Many friends and neighbors bought Christmas trees from Bob every year. Others benefitted from the bountiful garden and fruit trees.

Bob is remembered for his generous gifts of humor, quiet assistance and kind advice. He encouraged many others, including his children, to find their unique creative “voice.” For many new to Friends, he exemplified the essence of Quakerism.