Robert James Curtis died July 18, at Candlewood Valley Care Center, New Milford, after fighting a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease for 26 years. He was born in Glen Cove, N.Y., February 19, 1932, to Catherine (McGowan) and Robert Curtis. He was the beloved husband of Christina Curtis for 56 years.

At an early age the family moved to Scotland, where he was raised and schooled. Mr Curtis returned to the United States in 1953, and served in the US Army from 1953 to 1956. In 1964 he graduated from C.W. Post College of Long Island University.

He lived in New York before moving to Connecticut in 1968 to work in accounting for Perkin-Elmer, and later for United Technologies, Sikorsky Division, from where he retired in 1994. Mr Curtis lived in Newtown for 28 years and moved to New Preston in 1995.

He was known for his quick wit and humor, instigating much mirth among his contacts. He was a lifelong collector of antiques, a hobby he and his wife enthusiastically shared. Pewter collecting was an early interest for him. His recent interest was collecting and studying old English toby jugs. He was proud of the collection he had gathered of more than 100 miniature malt whiskeys, all from different distilleries. He considered himself a “student” of Scotch -- not a connoisseur.

He had various interests and was particularly interested in his Scottish heritage, history, geography, and the English language. After retiring he attended and enjoyed creative writing classes in Bethel, Washington Depot, and The Writers Guild in Litchfield. Several of his writings were published in local papers.

In addition to his wife, two sons, Alan Graham Curtis, and his wife Donna, of Madison and Alastair Kevin Curtis, and his wife Elizabeth, of New Milford; two daughters Catherine Anne Curtis of New York City and Shona Lynn Curtis, and her life partner Linda Miller, of New Milford; and four grandchildren survive Mr Curtis.

There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be announced in the future, at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Disease Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777, New York NY 10163-4777, or at www.michaeljfox.org.

Online condolences may be offered at www.Hullfuneralservice.com.