Robert Stanley Burnham

Robert Stanley Burnham

An entrepreneur and lawyer died surrounded by his loved ones at Tidewell Hospice in Sarasota, FL, on June 16, 2012, from complications following a recent stroke. He was 80 years old.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years Ann, and their four children: Barbara of Shelburne VT, David of North Yarmouth ME, Robert of Lexington MA, and Amy of Radnor PA and 13 grandchildren. Bob graduated from Oberlin College in 1953 where he starred in football, basketball, and track. His 8.2 yards per carry and defeat of his father, Elmer Burnham's University of Rochester team, capped his best season. He was recently inducted into Oberlin's Hall of Fame. His enthusiasm for football never wavered, but unfortunately fell onto the Philadelphia Eagles whose annual bungling never failed to provoke his rage. In 1953 Bob received a commission from the U.S. Navy and served as a communications officer on the aircraft carrier USS Antietam.

In 1958 Bob graduated from Harvard Law School and went on to practice at Nixon Hargrave. He later graduated from Harvard Business School and began a career in business. From 1966 to 1973 Bob was the Chairman of the Board and President of Iron Mountain Inc., where he leveraged the company in order to acquire several food companies.

Through the 70's and 80's Bob and Ann owned and operated the Society Hill Club in Philadelphia; among the many improvements and renovations were his beloved squash courts where he enjoyed beating younger players using his ambidextrous, no-backhand style of play. Bob headed the Wilmington Economic Development Company in the late 70's and ran an unsuccessful bid for Delaware's congressional seat in 1982. Throughout the 90's and 00's Bob worked for and organized various companies that produced such diverse products as the video taping of college year books, mail order list scrubbing, and credit card scanning.

Most recently, and right up to his death, Bob worked on a project that would bridge the gap between paper and electronic medical records. Bob will be remembered for his love of gatherings and meetings where he enjoyed reconnecting with his friends and extended family. His wit, humor and intelligence will be missed by many.

Donations can be made in memory of Robert S. Burnham Class 1953 at Oberlin College, Development Office, 50 Lorain St., Oberlin, Ohio 44074. A memorial service will be held 12 pm, Saturday, July 21, at West Newbury Congregational Church, 308 Main St., West Newbury, MA 01985.