Robert Larry Straight

Robert L. Straight, age 78, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on Monday, February 3, 2025.
Bob was born in Halstead, KS, son of the late John E. and Rose A. Curtis Straight, and spent his childhood in Amarillo, TX, before ultimately moving to southern California, where he attended California State University – Long Beach. Upon graduating, he attended Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan to obtain his Master's degree. Bob spent his first year as a professor at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA; the next 7 years at Connecticut College; and continued his career for another 36 years at the University of Delaware, retiring at Professor Emeritus in 2017. During this time, he was also an accomplished artist, exhibiting in one-man and group shows throughout the United States, including multiple shows at the Paul Cava Gallery in Philadelphia, PA., and Schmidt-Dean Gallery in New Jersey. His work is in many public and corporate collections in the United States including American Express, Capital One, ITT, New York, NY, Princess Cruises, and the Delaware Art Museum.
Bob enjoyed gardening; traveling; working in his studio; his wife's gourmet cooking; and spending time at his home in Rehoboth Beach, DE, building lasting memories with his family. What we remember most about him is that he constantly explored and was curious about the world around him, nature's forms and colors. He was extremely kind, patient, and generous with his time. Bob was so proud of his granddaughters who are a source of continual pride and love. He never stopped being curious about people and places. He will be lovingly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his beloved wife and high school sweetheart, Christine Schoepe Straight; his daughters, Alexandra Straight, her husband, Omar Yunis and their daughters, Estella and Willa; Oona Campanelli, her husband, Bryan Campanelli and their daughters, Romanita, Bianca, and Simone; his aunt, Clara Straight; cousin, Mark Straight; and his sisters-in-law, Mary Alice Cunningham, Ana Marie Straight, and Linda Schoepe.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Straight.
We are comforted and grateful for the friends, colleagues and former students who have expressed their love and appreciation for Bob.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Thursday, February 13 at St. John the Beloved Church, 907 Milltown Road, Wilmington, DE 19808, where family and friends may visit beginning at 10:00am. Interment will be held in St. Joseph on the Brandywine Cemetery.
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