Dr. Robert N. Wells Jr., 88, passed away peacefully at the Champlain Valley Senior Community in Willsboro, NY where he had resided since March 2021.

Wells garnered numerous awards and accolades for his perpetual involvement in community affairs. He was well known for his involvement in raising money for the Canton Recreational Pavilion and the Msgr. Griffith J. Billmeyer Memorial Playground adjacent to Canton’s Banford Elementary School.

Wells served as mayor from 2001-07.

“He was a fantastic guy to work with and he had a great sense of humor,” stated Marilyn I. Mintener, a former mayor. “When I was upset he would say ‘hey kid, laugh it off.’ Bob had a great attitude and was a very trusting person.”

Linda Casserly, who served as historian under Wells’ leadership, expressed nothing but praise for the long-time Cantonian.

“He was just a wonderful mayor, a wonderful person and a wonderful educator. But most important of all, his family came first,” said Casserly. “I so enjoyed my many conversations with Bob and his love of history, local, and national. His time as the mayor was a gift to the community.”

He was an active Canton Rotarian having received the Paul Harris Humanitarian Award by the Canton Rotary Club. He served on the Canton Central School Board for many years. Wells and a long-time colleague, Peter Van de Water, established the Canton Community Fund in 2000 which is still today dispersing funding for worthwhile projects and initiatives.

He was also recognized by the Canton Lions Club with a Community Service and Leadership Award, by the Canton VFW Post with a Community Service Award, and was given the Outstanding Citizen Award by the Canton Chamber of Commerce.

A native of Connecticut, Wells was offered a faculty position at St. Lawrence University in 1965, initiating a career that spanned four decades. At St. Lawrence, Dr. Wells taught over 20 unique courses, ran several institutes and workshops, was a prolific writer of books, articles, and papers, and wrote and secured over 20 grants, many of which funded educational opportunities for Native American Students. He wrote the first HEOP grant for St. Lawrence University and served as the program’s inaugural director.

Dr. Wells was particularly proud of his work and partnership with the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe. He was recognized in 1983 by the United South and Eastern Tribes for his long-standing contributions in helping the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe through the development of the Akwesasne Library, the Operation K Tutoring Program, and the first Upward Bound Program through St. Lawrence.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Patricia B. Wells of Canton; daughters Cynthia Wells of Canton, and Gretchen (James and son, Jack) Haynie of Ipswich, MA; son, Chris (Kate) Wells of Canton; a brother, Curtis (Lou) Wells of Mayville, TN, as well as nieces, nephews, and several cousins. Known lovingly as “Papa” by his 5 grandchildren, Audrey Mooradian of Boston, MA; Paige Mooradian of Nantucket, MA; Laura, Bobby, and Sarah Wells of Canton.

There will be a private family ceremony and burial; a celebration of Bob’s life will be planned for spring or summer 2022 in Canton. Those wishing to honor Bob with a memorial donation may do so by donating to the Robert N. Wells Scholarship Fund at St. Lawrence University, the Canton Community Fund, or a charity of one’s choice.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com. Arrangements for Dr. Robert N. Wells Jr. are under the care of the O’Leary Funeral Service of Canton.

Read full obituary https://www.northcountrynow.com/obituaries/dr-robert-n-wells-jr-88-canton