Henry Robert Lanchester, 83, died Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at his home in Franconia, New Hampshire. He was born on August 2 in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of Henry Robert and Elizabeth Ann (Poole) Lanchester.
He was the beloved husband of more than 50 years to Cynthia Jean (Maple) Lanchester. They were married at Bridal Veil Falls in Franconia.
He attended Stowe School in England but spent summers with his grandparents in Sugar Hill, New Hampshire. He returned to America to study architecture at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and received a Master of Arts degree from University of California, Berkeley. Rob enjoyed a fruitful decades-long career as an actor and director both on and off Broadway and served as the associate artistic director at McCarter Theatre in Princeton, New Jersey. He would later teach and direct at the Princeton Theological Seminary for more than 20 years before retiring to Franconia. He enjoyed hiking, painting, and music of all genres.
Rob is survived by his wife Cynthia; three children—Eric and his wife Amanda, Brian, and Kyra and her husband Anders; six grandchildren—Elijah, Josh, Teagan, Miles, Simon, and Lucas; his sister Christine and her husband Dan; and three nephews—Charles, Justin, and Derek.
A funeral service will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at All Saints’ Church in Littleton, New Hampshire, with Rev. Veronika Travis officiating. Friends and family are invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial contribution to
North Country Chamber Players or St. Matthew’s Chapel in Sugar Hill.