Friday, September 29, 2023
I was saddened to learn of Bob's passing this past week. A mentor to me as I transitioned from the military to the civilian workforce, he had a profound effect upon my life. His broad experience as an accomplished leader at Pfizer, WWII veteran, talented athlete (baseball, tennis) and devoted husband and father earned the respect of his peers, subordinates, superiors and contemporaries alike.
It took awhile for me to appreciate Bob's persona because he was a tough boss, but he was a reasonable one. We met in Albany in 1982 at the first in a gauntlet of interviews where he put me 'through the wringer'. The interviews were intense, but backed into a corner, I finally was able to 'flip the script' on him (a rare feat) and catch him off guard. He didn't acknowledge it at the time, but the learning had begun and I knew I had passed level one. There would be many more levels to come.
He kept me and the rest of his team 'on our toes' with his surprise 'ride-alongs' and a notorious 'pregnant pause' in his speech that albeit uncomfortable, was a powerful and effective technique built upon listening before speaking. His never-ending sales coaching always emphasized the highest standards of professionalism. He didn't cut corners and it brought out the best in us. It's why his influence has stayed with me for over 40 years.
He tried to keep his personal feelings close to the vest, but he felt so strongly about the things he believed in and his love and adoration for Ethyl was inspiring, to say the least, so it wasn't always possible. Those were the things that enabled me to truly come to know Bob. I discovered many things we had in common and I strived to live up to his example.
A number of people have asked me over the years what the best advice I ever received in my career was and I've ALWAYS found myself quoting Bob. I was sure to tell him that when we spoke intermittently over the years because I knew that, professionally, Bob took great pride in the accomplishments of those he mentored and I was passing on things that he taught me. There were many in Pfizer who worked under Bob and went on to great heights and/or long careers, undoubtedly wiser for their time with him.
Beyond anything, Bob's greatest pride was in his family and, on behalf of my wife Sarah and I, we offer our sincere condolences to the Pennamacoor family. May your fondest memories comfort you now and in the years to come.
