Robert L. Paton Jr., 89, of Woodstock

WOODSTOCK » Robert L. Paton Jr., 89 years old, formerly of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Woodstock, passed away on July 2, 2017.

Robert was born in Brooklyn on July 20, 1927, to the late Robert Sr. and Teresa Filippone Paton.

Robert was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was an alumni of Swarthmore College and Middlebury College, earning a Master’s Degree in Literature. He was an actor, having acted in Hollywood movies in the 1950s; an educator and author. He was a Fulbright Scholar, traveling to Mexico to teach English as a second language for the U.S. government in the 1960s, and he taught in the English Department at Kingston High School in the 1960s and ’70s. He went on to author several published poems, short stories and the book “Not Just Test Scores: Safeguarding Our Children from Failure.”

He was the founder and owner of the Theatre Of Dreams in Manhattan, an improvisational theatre troupe bringing people’s sleeping dreams to reality on stage. His theatre was very successful in New York City, earning rave reviews by critics, resulting in many invitations and presentations across the United States and around the world. Robert recognized the value of expression without restriction and when provided the right environment, the ability to succeed in all things. With that vision in mind, he brought his theatre into many impoverished schools throughout the New York City boroughs, empowering children through theatrical expression.

His wife, April, of Woodstock, and sons Craig (Carla) of Hurley and Trevor (Stephanie) of Woodstock survive him. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Nicole (Ryan) Magill; Alison Paton, Brandon Paton, and Evan Paton; and greatgranddaughter, Hailey Catalano. Several cousins in Brooklyn, N.Y., and his adored cousin, JulieAnn Gordineer and her daughter Lauren of West Hurley also survive him. Along with his parents of Brooklyn, he was predeceased by his brother, George Paton of Kingston, N.Y.

At the request of Robert, there will not be any services; his family will privately share in honoring his life. Robert’s family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the staff at Ten Broeck Commons for lovingly caring for Robert for many years. Tax-deductible donations in remembrance of his life’s values and work can be made in his memory to Voice Theatre, in support of youth workshops, P.O. Box 353 Bearsville, N.Y. 12409.