ROBERT DWORET FANGER

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ROBERT FANGER Obituary

FANGER, Robert Dworet Passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025. He was born on April 15, 1933 and grew up with his parents, Philip and Esther Fanger and his sister Ruth Fanger Backman in Brookline Massachusetts. Bob graduated from Dartmouth College in 1955 and received an MBA from Columbia University in 1957. Shortly after, he joined the Stop and Shop grocery store management training program and became the company supplies buyer. Later, he founded the Robert D. Fanger Company, food brokers, and then co-founded Firestone Financial Corporation where he served as president, CEO, and member of the board of directors. He was also a founding partner and consultant at Sullivan, Fanger and O'Brien, and a founder, officer and board member of Medallion Funding Corp. in New York City. After retiring, he remained active in the finance world as an adviser to Eastern Funding LLC, NY, New York. More important than his career was his dedication to family, friends, Dartmouth College and philanthropy. Bob was a lifelong member of the Dartmouth community, chairing the class of 1955 25th and 50th class reunions, and acting as class president and Alumni Council representative. He also devoted time and energy to charitable and civic causes. He served on the food team for Combined Jewish Philanthropies, and as trustee of University Hospital, Boston Children's Services, and the Home for Little Wanderers. Bob's greatest strength was his gift for friendship. He built a network of friends that extended around the world. He was the undisputed king of "small world stories" running into old friends on ski lifts, in airports, and on the Great Wall of China. He leaves behind his loving wife Iris Fanger of 68 years, his children Michael Fanger, Linda Sattel and Laurie Fanger Reed; grandchildren Rachel Fanger, Jon Fanger, Ember Reed and Nat Reed; and nieces and nephews Paula MacDonald, and Jill, Charles, Bruce, and Garett Backman. A Funeral Service and reception will be held at noon on Sunday May 25, 2025, at Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Ave., Boston 02215. Livestream link at brezniakfuneraldirectors.com Visiting Hours at home: Monday and Tuesday 2-5 pm, May 26 and 27. Memorial donations may be made to Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Boston MA, Dartmouth College, or the Woodwell Climate Research Center in Wood's Hole, MA.

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Published by Boston Globe from May 22 to May 23, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT FANGER

10 Entries

Larry and Kathy Pilchman

May 27, 2025

We send our deep and sincere sympathy to Iris, and children and grandchildren upon hearing of the passing of Bob. Bob was my dearest friend at Dartmouth (`55) and in the decades since. I enjoyed reuniting each Fall at Dartmouth Homecoming reunions. I loved his wit and his dry sense of humor. He was a great friend to so many and went to the effort of keeping in touch through the years. You are loved and missed.
Prayers for comfort for the family.

Marcus Schulkind

May 27, 2025

My deepest condolences to you and your family.... Marcus schulkind

Kate Burdick

Planted Trees

Mae

May 25, 2025

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

VAN DE VELDE / PRESLES family

Planted Trees

Chip Goode

May 24, 2025

As a Vice President at the First National Bank of Boston in the 80s, I had the pleasure of serving as FFC's account officer where I dealt extensively with Bob and the legendary FFC executive team (Michael, Eddie, David). Bob was always superb to deal with, had incredible emotional intelligence, was a great listener, insightful, caring, and so humorous! One the all-time best and a true gentleman!

Castle McLaughlin

May 23, 2025

I was honored to know Bob since the 1990s through my primary friendship with his wonderful wife, Iris. In my eyes, Bob was an extraordinary person, genuinely interested in everything and quietly filled with enthusiasm for life, people, and experiences. He enjoyed being active and traveling but was also a good conversationalist, well-read and with a thoughtful, inquiring mind. He seemed at ease in the world, understood how things worked, and had a courteous, gentle demeanor. Due to his fine qualities, Bob made friends readily and had many throughout the world. But it was clear that his world revolved around his family, and that they adored and appreciated him in turn. Bob will be deeply missed, and I offer my sincere condolences to Iris, their children, the rest of their family and their many friends in this difficult time.

Dawn Kramer

May 22, 2025

Bob attended so many dance performances with Iris. I remember how much he appreciated my work as a choreographer/performer, particularly a piece called One False Move, performed at the BC theater in 1988. He was so supportively involved in Iris´s world, hence in the world of dance. My heart goes out to Iris and Bob´s family.

Margot and Bill Parsons

May 22, 2025

The gentleness and kindness of Bob is what stays in the mind. His love for his family was evident when we were together with Iris and him and he would tell stories about their adventures and of the times he skied with his children. Our heartfelt condolences to Iris and their children. He leaves a wonderful legacy to his family.

David Cohen

May 22, 2025

Bob was a wonderful mentor and leader for me at Firestone Financial. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to work for him. May his memory be a blessing to his family and friends.

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