Obituary
Robert Newton Peck, 92, of Longwood, Florida, passed away at his residence June 23, 2020. He was born in Ticonderoga, New York, to Frank H. and Lucille Dornburgh Peck. Robert graduated from Rollins College and served in the U.S. Army, during WWII. He was an Author, writing 65 Books. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Michael Peck and daughter, Anne Dixon. The family will be having a Graveside Service at Florida National Cemetery at a time to be determined.
1979, I believe.
As I recall he fingered out a tune or several prior to each class commencement on a worn, corner-placed piano.
He told us often, in a fully-joking manner, among his favorite activity was showing off. He did that well. But always with fun. And always with creative flair.
Those were smiling days in my life.
I learned much about writing from his class. I learned much about Rob from his books.
I have read them all and re-read even now those tattered copies perched on my book shelf. Just last week I read Horse Thief. Again. Not long ago I read once more A Day No Pigs Would Die.
It tugs still at my 69-year-old heart.
You will be missed, Rob. You brought joy to many. Young and not-so young.
May you now sing with the angels and let us know every once in a while that you are still here with us!
Go with God my friend!
Needless to say, we are heartbroken to hear about his passing. However, Peck and his work will always be an important part of our lives. Rest in peace, Rob.
Following my Rollins graduation in 1977, I was asked if there were two Rollins guests I wanted to include in
my graduation celebration dinner at Maison et Jardin in Altamonte Springs, Fl. One was Wilbur Dorsett, a Rollins
Shakespearean Scholar. Another was Robert Newton Peck's Rollins mentor, legendary Rollins Creative Writing
professor, Ed Granberry.
On one of the greatest days in his life, Robert Newton Peck and I were walking across the Rollins campus
as he lamented the fact that Ed Granberry deserved much more recognition than he had received. As we entered
the Rollins Crummer Business School building, Rob asked me to wait for a few moments as he disappeared into an
office to use a phone. The next thing I knew, Robert Newton Peck reappeared in the Crummer hallway and joyfully
exclaimed to the only individual within earshot, "This writer just became a millionaire!"
Credited with launching the young adult novel genre with considerable commercial success, Robert Newton Peck,
gave very generously of his time and wrote to rave reviews nationwide. Using a Stetson hat and western wear to
differentiate himself from the other writers out there; and choosing a mentor, Ed Granberry, who used to let Sinclair Lewis substitute teach his Rollins Creative Writing class, Rob Peck blazed an inimitable trail of his own. Intensely personal,
often semi-autobiographical, and more than worthy of the highest literary praise possible.
Will Graves