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Robert Stempel Obituary
The automaker announced Stempel's death in a statement Monday.
The Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press report he was 77 and died Saturday in Florida.
Stempel led the company from 1990-92 until he was forced out in a boardroom coup.
Detroit-based GM says Stempel "admirably led the company during very difficult times in the early 1990s."
Stempel spent three decades at GM, including work as an engineer. The automaker credits him with leading the development of the catalytic converter, which it calls "one of the great environmental advancements in auto history."
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
28 Entries
Beth Crandell
August 17, 2023
I really knew pat a little bit from Bloomfield highschool.I used to ask may who lived across the street from him how they were doing .hope you have gotten on with your lives .I know that is what bob would have wanted
Bridget Young-Fritzler, and family
May 21, 2011
Pat, Barb, Tim and Peter, we are so sorry for your loss. I remember Robert when he was a student at MSU while working at his budding career, but his top priority was always his family - you guys were his whole world, and it showed. Our thoughts are with you.
Barb Benson Vacketta
May 12, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with all of your familly. I wish our years apart hadn't been so many. I fondly remember when your family moved next door on Clydesdale. I was thrilled to have a Barb as a new best friend. Barb, your mom made the best chocolate chip cookies and your dad was the neighborhood hero for shoveling, flooding and lighting our skating pond- and so much more. Love to reconnect.
Bob Mercer
May 12, 2011
Pat & Family: Mae & I are sorry for your loss The sorrow is shared by so many people who knew him as a "car guy" . a gentleman, a man of integrity and an all around good man. -Probably the best CEO GM had. He was a pleasure to do business with. He will be missed.
Bob Mercer
retired CEO of Goodyear
How you can show support
richard mahoney
May 11, 2011
Pat
I well remember you and Bob from the American Society of Corporate Executives. You and I shared a place at dinner in Naples one evening---I asked you what your favorite GM car was---you said without hesitation Lamborghini---right then i knew you were the perfect mate for Bob---no nonsense---no corporate political correctness---a car person like Bob.We kept in touch over the years and after he left GM I later asked him if he would spend some time with a colleague of mine--Lyda Bigelow who was researching a journal article on the history of automotive design--I told her he was a busy guy doing battery design and get it into 5 minutes- -30 minutes later they were still going on---she asked me why he had spent so much time---because he likes cars and likes to help people---a great tribute to a great man
May 11, 2011
To the family of Robert Stempel, you have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved one. Our heavenly Father is with you, and He will revive your spirit and crush heart-Isaiah 57:15.(Erma L. Davis, Park Forest, IL.)
Don Johnson
May 11, 2011
To the Stempel family. My sincerest condolences. Bob and I were friends in high school. That was a long time ago and we have been out of touch all those years. I am greatly saddened by the news of his passing. Don Johnson, class of '51, BHS
Stephanie Leary
May 11, 2011
Bob was a kind and thoughtful man and we enjoyed having you as neighbors on Chisholm Trail. We are so sorry....
Stephanie and Tom Leary
Jack Walker
May 11, 2011
To Pat and Family: You may not remember me but I have fond memories of Bob and all of you when we lived next door to you in Saratoga Farms. Bob was probably the most dedicated person to his family and to GM that I have ever known. I am truly sorry for your loss.
May 11, 2011
my deepest to the family. i served with bob in the army at ft. belvoir,va. 1957. he was a great leader and friend. my daughter debbie was born at same time as his son.i will always remember him. gm made a mistake. he was a great ceo. nick saccamano.
May 11, 2011
So sorry for your loss, I worked in the G.M. mail room and met Mr, Stempel numerous times delivering mail to your home on Saturdays
I remember him working outside and offering me a drink and talking to me about the opportunities within GM . What a great guy
Mark Messer
Herbert Reedman, Jr - Reedman World Auto Center
May 11, 2011
Our sincere and heart felt condolences to the Stempel Family. Bob was a giant among peers and will be sadly missed. We appreciate his leadership and friendship throughout the years.
May 11, 2011
Rest in peace. Thank you for your effort to make this world a better place for our time and the future of humanity, The world is a better place because of you.
Retired GM Hourly Worker
T-Town, NY
B.P.
May 11, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Helen Brown
May 10, 2011
My Deepest Sympathy to the family. I thought he was one of the best Ceo's at GM. He will be greatly missed.
Laurie Sparrow
May 10, 2011
I am the youngest daughter of Vince Piggins.. Mr. Stempel was my father's hero.. Deepest sympathy to the family. May Mr. Stempel rest in peace!
Melanie Doorly-Bushar
May 10, 2011
To Pat, Barbara,Tim and Peter. So saddened to read of Bob's passing. I have so many fond memories as neighbors on 10 St. Barnegat Light.
May 10, 2011
Rob was a talented man. He will be missed. As we reflect on his life may the thoughts of John 5:28 comfort his friends and family.
Jack Curcio
May 10, 2011
Bob was a first class gentleman.....and a top executive....a good friend of mine...at one time we pondered how we could combine Mack Trucks and GM'''''We shared similar birthdays and would always remind each other of our growing age! At the time, he was second in command to Roger Smith....but first in my books! Will miss Bob!
Jack Curcio
Retired
CEO, Chairman
Mack Trucks, Inc.
Dick Margsh
May 10, 2011
A sincere honorable gentleman to all who worked at GM.He will be missed by many of us who worked at GM.
Barri LaPierre
May 10, 2011
I was looking for a high school friends obituary and happened to see this. I am so sad for your loss. When I lived in the Atlantic City, NJ area, I worked for Hertz at the Atlantic City Int'l Airport and Mr. Stempel used to rent cars from me on a regular basis...it was in the 90's...he was always a warm, friendly customer, I admired how he treated people. Your family has my deepest sympathy during this sad time.
Earl Bloom
May 10, 2011
Pat and family, you have our deepest sympathy and fondest prayers. Bob was one of the most honorable people I have ever had the privilege of having as a friend. He also was a perfect example of what can be accomplished with dedication, honesty and integrity. I will cherish his memory! Earl Bloom
Fred Strickland
May 10, 2011
As an automotive supplier, I had the privilege of working with Robert Stempel while he was the top executive at Chevrolet. He was one of the warmest and most generous-spirited men I ever encountered at his level.
May 10, 2011
Mr. Stempel was a very respected gentleman. When he walked thru the doors of GM, you could expect a warm smile and a pleasant hello no matter who you were. His kindness and decency made him the kind of person you always remember. ( A former GM employee)
Victoria VZj
May 10, 2011
Condolences
To the Family of 'ROBERT'
our thoughts are with you..
R Golay
May 10, 2011
To the the family of Robert Stempel - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
May 10, 2011
THE FAMILY OF ROBERT STEMPLE IS IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS..JAN {BREEDING} FULTON
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