Robert Hecht ’65

Robert Alvin Hecht, age 81, passed away unexpectedly on June 13, 2024, while visiting Yarmouth, Massachusetts with his wife, Debra Yonker-Hecht.

Bob was born and raised in the Detroit, Michigan area, to Frances Teter and Robert C. Hecht. His father was killed in the war soon after his birth. His mother later married her second husband, Clyde Mundinger.

University studies took him across the state to western Michigan, where he stayed for forty years. Bob earned his undergraduate degree from Hope College, a student of Theatre, English and French. He first taught English in South Haven while completing his master’s degree in communications from nearby Western Michigan University.

Ever working for better opportunities, Bob next moved north to Grand Haven where he worked as a news writer and on-air talent for WGHN-Radio. Much of his free time was involved with the local theatre, Central Park Players. He continued to work in the Grand Haven area for several years, using his talents on various governing boards of private business and industry, and sheltered workshops.

In 2003, Bob and his family moved to England where he helped to open the London-based office of AlixPartners. He very much enjoyed his time there and continued to work with other England-based businesses after his formal retirement. In 2019, he moved to his retirement home in southern France for the remainder of his life.

A private pilot, a charter boat captain, an avid golfer. He found a real spiritual comfort in the foothills of the Cevennes Mountains, in Dio-et-Valquières. Bob loved music; folk music, bluegrass and the harmony of the Statler Brothers. He enjoyed playing guitar all his adult life. In later years, the viola became of key interest to him. He and his friends participated in several small performances and amateur recordings while living in France. In the last few years, he joined a few Cape Cod-based online writer’s groups.

Bob is survived by his wife, Debra (of Yarmouth) and their son, Benjamin Hecht, of Florida. Bob also has two daughters by his first marriage: Mrs. Elizabeth Furtaw and Mrs. Amy Dedloff, both of Michigan. His grandchildren are Stefaney (deceased) and Jacob Johnson; Peyton, Maegan, Emma, Claire and Elijah Dedloff. Two great-grandchildren survive him, as well. Bob is survived by his half-siblings: Dick (of Florida), Mrs. Susan Minock, Thomas (of Florida), Kay (deceased) and David Mundinger of Michigan.