Barrett, Robert J.
Pittsford NY: Died on November 18, 2017 after a brief illness. Predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Kathryn M. Barrett. He is survived by his children, Christopher (Betsy) Barrett, Wendy (Jack) Salerno, and Holly Barrett (Joel Lynaugh); and grandchildren Samantha, Madeleine, Ben, Jacob, Bailey, James, Lucas and Noah.
Bob was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1937. He earned his MBA from Michigan State University in 1959, and had a long, rewarding career with Mobil Chemical Company. He was most proud of helping to establish the Council for Solid Waste Management Solutions, an industry effort which led to more plastics recycling facilities across the nation. Bob loved spending summers on Martha’s Vineyard, where he mastered his carpentry skills building a tongue and groove barn, and spent many hours kayaking and enjoying sunsets. He was an avid reader, a wonderful caregiver to his wife and children, and a friend to everyone he met.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday January 13, 2018 at The Hahnemann House at The Highlands at Pittsford from 11:30-2:00. Donations in his memory can be made to Cancer Wellness Connections, 7 Brickston Drive, Pittsford, NY 14534.
Bob was a true mentor, and without doubt one of the most positive influences in my professional life. He never lectured, but he had a special way of developing people. He had numerous strengths and was a great leader by example. He was the most ethical business person I ever known and a straight shooter day in and day out. We all have warm memories of Bob’s incredible sense of humor which contributed so much to our workplace and personal lives as well. To me, quite simply, he was in a league of his own.
We all benefitted from working with and learning from Bob. I am grateful that Bob’s ideals and practices became part of my own business model and that thousands of my students since 1980 were indirect beneficiaries of his knowledge.
Tom Ingram
Professor Emeritus
Colorado State University
I loved Bob. He was the most important male mentor in my life. I’ve not met a more intelligent man in the 40+ years I’ve been in the business world. He easily could have been the CEO of a large corporation had he wanted to. I will miss him as long as I live.
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing……he was a great friend and mentor over the years……especially during our time togther at Mobil Chemical