Robert Carl Springborn

1929 - 2018

BORN

1929

DIED

2018

About

Cornell University University of Illinois

Robert Springborn Obituary

Dr. Robert Carl Springborn

Naples, FL

Dr. Robert Carl Springborn, 88, of Naples, FL passed away peacefully Sunday, January 21, 2018 in the loving company of his wife Carolyn Jean Springborn, married 67 years, and his two grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Carolyn Jean Springborn, he is survived by his two children, Deborah Lynn Springborn of Placerville, CA and son Robert John Springborn of Naples, FL, as well as 2 grandchildren: Jessica Springborn Willard, her husband Laurens Young Willard, two great-grandchildren Charles Willard and Madelynn Willard of Charlotte, NC, Adam Robert Springborn of Fort Lauderdale, FL and many nieces, nephews, and close friends. He had 3 siblings (2 sisters and a brother).

Born October 19, 1929 St. Charles, Illinois, son of Carl and Mabel Springborn, Robert developed a strong leadership, and work ethic at a young age. His paper-route, lawn services, railroad laboring and reaching the highest Boy Scout of America achievement of Eagle Scout leader provided him the morals and values that would lead to future life successes. Robert graduated from U of Illinois in 1951 with a degree in Chemistry and completed his PhD in Organic Chemistry at Cornell University. Robert spent his early years working for Monsanto, Borg-Warner Chemical, W.R. Grace and a venture capital business before joining the Debell and Richardsons Company. He grew that company later known as Springborn Group including Springborn Laboratories, an International and highly successful contract research and development research organization serving industry and consumer product companies.

Robert touched many lives through his loving and generous spirit. At the University of Illinois, he and Carolyn developed the Springborn Fellows which is giving aspiring chemists scholarship opportunities. They also support developing artists of the Boston Museum School. In Naples, Robert served on the Philharmonics Center Board of Directors. He also served the Naples Conservancy, enjoyed years with the Chen de Rotisseurs, local art events and other causes. In Maine he was on the Board of Directors Haystack Mountain School of Crafts where he and Carolyn met, befriended and assisted many aspiring artists that remain friends to this day.

The joy of Robert's life was his family. He was devoted to his wife, children, and grandchildren offering his time, love, support and guidance. He travelled the world, collected art with his wife Carolyn, built an amazing "farm house" on the Eastern Shores of Maryland where he loved developing the farm house, growing orchids and the many deep friendships they established there. He also enjoyed deep sea fishing with his grandchildren in Naples. His generosity and genuine interest in everyone he met is the essence of who he was.

The family extends our appreciation for the devotion provided these past years by his amazing caregiving team that will continue to care for Carolyn. Online condolences may be offered at http://www.fullernaples.com/tributes/Robert-SpringbornPHD/. A Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please give anonymously to your favorite charity.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Naples Daily News from Feb. 2 to Feb. 4, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Springborn

1 Entry

1946 - My Uncle Bob with his older sister Alice, younger brother Bruce and his younger sister, my mother, Jean

Lore Ethridge

February 25, 2018

Robert Springborn was my uncle, my mother's older brother. We were only able to see each other occasionally while I was growing up, primarily at my Grandparent's home. He was always full of good humor and great stories. He encouraged discussions about our educational goals. I know he and Aunt Connie supported my mother with their emails, phone calls and letters after my father's passing. They were kind and supportive during her final months. He will be greatly missed.