Edward Bobit

Bobit, Edward James 86, of Palos Verdes Estates, CA, formerly of Wilmette, IL, founder and chairman of Bobit Business Media, passed away peacefully at his home on June 29, 2014. He was raised in St. Louis, MI, became an Eagle Scout, and attended Michigan State University, participating in football and wrestling. His college education was interrupted with two years in the U.S. Navy. Bobit's professional career began in sales with Dow Chemical in Midland, MI, with a later transfer to Chicago. There his interests turned to publishing where he was a sales manager for McGraw-Hill for seven years before starting his own company, Bobit Publishing, with Automotive Fleet magazine in 1961. Over the next 53 years he grew the business (now Bobit Business Media with headquarters in Torrance, CA) to include more than 20 magazines as well as various trade shows and websites in the automotive, protection and beauty fields. Ed was an industry icon who received many awards and accolades. He was inducted into the National Association of Pupil Transportation Association Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Fleet Hall of Fame in 2009. Ed was fondly called "Coach" due to his warmth, his wealth of knowledge, his desire to share information and his willingness to mentor. Coach had an incredible zest for life. He loved a cigar and a good drink. He traveled the world, he loved hunting and fishing; he was a voracious reader and he enjoyed caring for his large rose garden. His favorite pastime was cheering on his beloved Michigan State Spartans. He was a former president of the MSU Alumni of Chicago, was a consistent member of the MSU Spartan Fund, served two terms on the MSU Business School Board, and was a member of the MSU Development Board and Athletic Council. He was dedicated to his family whom he loved very much. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Bonnie. He is survived by his sister, Rose Marie McQuaid; his son, Ty (Nadine); daughters, Barbara Jusseaume (Roger), Beverly Jacobson, Beth Edwards (Rock), Bobi Jo Banas (Jim); 14 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. A visitation and funeral mass was held on Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at St. John Fisher, 5448 Crest Road, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. Interment will be at a later date in St. Louis, MI. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made "In memory of Ed Bobit" to Torrance Memorial Healthcare Foundation, 3330 Lomita Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505; or Misericordia, 6300 North Ridge Ave., Chicago, IL 60660.