Robert J. Champlin

Robert J. Champlin, 72, of Exeter, passed away Saturday December 9, 2017, at Rhode Island Hospital, after a short bout with leukemia, complicated by a lung infection. He spent his childhood in Windham Center, CT, and then met his wife of 50 years, Kit, while attending Swarthmore College. The two of them were two-thirds of the music majors in their graduating class. He earned a Masters degree at New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, before joining his father and older brother Jeffrey in building a house on family land in Exeter, RI. Most people knew Bob as the owner of Critter Hut along with his wife. Both of them retired after sharing ownership of the store with their three sons, Chris of Exeter, Will of North Kingstown, and Jeff of Exeter. Bob also played the cello professionally for many years and was a member of a trio, Trillium, and the Amari Quartet. He is also survived by two brothers, John R. Champlin of Columbus, OH and Jeffrey W. Champlin of Exeter; many grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Visiting hours will be at the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield, Thursday, 4-7 pm. Burial will be private in the family cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Animal Rescue Rhode Island, PO Box 458, Wakefield, RI 02880.