Robert M. Dewey Jr.

1931 - 2025

Robert M. Dewey, Jr.
01/07/2025
We celebrate the life of Robert M. Dewey, Jr., who passed away on January 7, 2025, at the age of 93, surrounded by his loving family. Bob cherished time with family, and the growth and education of his children and grandchildren were his top priorities. He was a constant presence on the sidelines as their number one fan.
Bob graduated from Deerfield Academy in 1949. The culture of the Academy shaped his sense of community and laid the foundation for his life. He went on to serve on, and eventually chair, the board (1990-2000). One of his proudest achievements was being a part of Eric Widmer's tenure as Headmaster, the beginning of their lifelong friendship.
Bob graduated from Yale in 1953 with a BA in History. He excelled at squash, playing #1 in his senior year, and earning national rankings after college. He began his career in 1954 at Citicorp, and joined Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette in 1974. He oversaw the firm's rise from a research boutique to a leading equities powerhouse. He became a leading institutional salesman and was appointed Head of Equities and Derivatives in 1982. During his tenure, industry rankings for sales, research, and trading steadily increased and profitability soared.
Bob was regarded as a true gentleman in a business that was not known for grace. His colleagues admired him for constancy, hard work, and integrity. One of the best mentors on Wall Street, Bob took great pride in following his mentees' successes. He saw people as individuals, worthy of love, attention, and respect on their merits alone.
A king of sharp wit, Bob's colleagues considered him one of the best speechmakers on the planet, often referring to his fondness of second marriages, second homes, and family time. His pencils were also always sharp – and short – reflecting his practical nature.
Bob had an unshakable belief that life's greatest purpose is found in family and connection. Time with his loved ones was sacred-whether lobster dinners on Martha's Vineyard or cheering grandchildren on from the sidelines. His generosity knew no limits: he gave not just his time and resources but also his steadfast presence. Bob's love wasn't defined by grand gestures alone-it was felt in his unwavering commitment to always showing up.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Harriet Blees Dewey, a constant and deeply valued partner throughout these adventures and achievements. Together, they grew the large, loving family that Bob leaves behind, including his children Robert, Grant, and Brad Dewey; Parke, Ashley, and Andy Logan; their spouses; fifteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and his elder sister, Jeanne Dewey Hart. Bob leaves a legacy of love, resilience, and belonging that shapes the lives of everyone fortunate enough to have known him.
A celebration of Bob's life will be held on Thursday, February 13, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Ridgefield, CT. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to an organization of your choosing that supports education or families.