Born the son of an Air Force officer, Bob spent his childhood traveling the world, eventually attending Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, MO and later The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. He then travelled to Riverside, CA where his parents were stationed at March Air Base. He attended Riverside Community College while working as a Sportswriter for the local newspaper, The Press Enterprise. Bob then followed in his father’s footsteps to serve his country and in 1967, enlisted in the U.S. Army eventually earning the rank of Captain. He proudly served as a combat veteran in Vietnam earning two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman Badge, and garnered friendships amongst his fellow soldiers that would last a lifetime.
During his service in Vietnam, and after his release from the Army, Bob became father to Michele and Brian. He then completed his college education and earned a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communications from Cal Poly Pomona in Pomona, CA. Thus began his illustrious career in public relations and marketing, and where his prestigious positions as CEO of The Claridge Hotel and Casino and President and CEO of the Miss America Organization solidified his standing in the history books of Atlantic City, NJ.
Bob was a masterful innovator and gifted communicator in the varied roles he played throughout his life. During his Atlantic City years, his fearless, bold and disciplined approach to the challenging executive positions in the casino industry and the historic Miss America Organization, particularly portrayed his splendid effectiveness. His ability to develop extraordinary marketing positioning programs that differentiated the companies he represented and his compelling communication skills to deliver the messages was a marvel to witness. Bob always hired exemplary employees, many of which became corporate leaders, too. Additionally, Bob always had time for everyone throughout the businesses he championed, both within the companies and in numerous community organizations and charities.
Retiring in 2002, Bob spent the next few years pursuing his passion for sailing and enjoying hobbies such as model boat building, fly fishing and writing. A new calling, however, piqued his interest, and he went back to school to study theology at the University of the South in Sewanee, TN. He remained at the University for a year, then achieved his dream of the sailor’s life by living aboard his newly purchased sailboat in Annapolis, MD.
In 2014 Bob met his lovely wife, Linda, and they married in 2015, settling down in her hometown and his old stomping grounds of Riverside, CA. Forever the history enthusiast, Bob spent the next two years online completing his master’s degree in Military History at Norwich University in Northfield, VT.
In 2021, Bob and Linda realized their dream of moving to the Gulf Coast of Florida. They moved to Punta Gorda, FL with hopes of sailing the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Various illnesses plagued Bob his last few years, but he fought valiantly and never gave up. Bob had a very quick mind and keen intellect, but he always displayed it in his witty, fun loving, down to earth manner. He was very caring. His compassion for people was a glorious thing to behold. He will be remembered for his warm personality, his ability to tell a fascinating story, and his stunning ability to answer every Jeopardy question. He will be dearly missed by all. A memorial service will be held in the Spring at Sarasota National Cemetery, date to be determined.
Published by The Press of Atlantic City from Feb. 26 to Feb. 27, 2022.
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