Obituary - Robert D. Hewlett Jr.
Robert D. “Bob” Hewlett, Jr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, police officer, and man of faith whose life was marked by service, determination, humor, and an unwavering love for family departed this life Sunday, September 6, 2026.
Investigator Robert "Bobby" Hewlett dedicated over 30 years of exemplary service to the Henrico Police Department, beginning with his appointment on January 19, 1977, and concluding with his retirement on December 31, 2007. After graduating from the 5th Basic Police Academy, he launched his career in Uniform Operations with Platoon C, where he quickly demonstrated his versatility as a Field Training Officer, School Liaison Officer, and member of the Platoon Tactical Team (SWAT). His exceptional productivity and strong leadership traits earned high praise from supervisors early on, facilitating his early 1980s transfers into specialized units like the Crime Prevention Special Action Force (SAF) and Criminal Intelligence.
Throughout his distinguished career, Bobby became a vital asset to specialized investigative divisions, spending decades tackling high-level casework in Narcotics, Homicide, and the Cold Case Unit. He was known for building crucial bridges between the Criminal Intelligence Unit and outside law enforcement agencies, earning a reputation for accomplishing complex tasks with minimal supervision. As a team leader and Undercover Coordinator for narcotics in Henrico's Eastern District, he successfully orchestrated high-stakes operations that maximized arrests while strictly prioritizing operative safety, working alongside trusted partners like Walter Smith, Jerry ”Tuffy” Hill, and Doug Sullivan.
Robert’s profound legal acumen and investigative expertise earned him widespread recognition from local, state, and federal entities, including the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney offices in both Richmond and New York City. Described by peers as a person of unwavering integrity, compassion, and high ethical standards, he consistently stayed at the forefront of evolving technology, court decisions, and investigative procedure
By the end of his career, he was looking forward to a life of gardening, travel and cruising with his wife Beverly.
Bob’s greatest accomplishments cannot be measured by degrees, titles, years of service, or professional recognition. They are found in the people he loved and the lives he touched. He built a life of which he could be proud. Bob’s journey is a testimony to what can happen when determination, faith, hard work, and purpose come together.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife of 32 years, Beverly; son, Derek Brooks, Sr.; beloved grandchildren, Gianna Brooks, Camille Hewlett, and Derek Brooks Jr., as well as a host of family members and friends.
