Robert Zabel Sr.

1928 - 2016

Robert P. "Bob" Zabel, Sr., passed away at his home on May 25, 2016. Bob was the only child of the late Paul and Ethel Zabel who deeply loved and were very proud of their son. Bob is survived by his wife of 61 years and love of his life, Joan Cohee Zabel; their three children: Nancy (Simon) Sidamon-Eristoff, Susan (Russell) Brandstetter, and Robert Jr., (Meggan); and eight grandchildren. Bob was born in Abington, PA, on July 20, 1928. He graduated from Trenton High School in 1946, were he was an All-American swimmer. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Marines. In 1952, he graduated from Princeton University. That year in Philadelphia, he began a 36 year career at the advertising agency N.W. Ayer, America's first advertising agency. After managing accounts such as AT&T, John Deere, and DuPont, Bob became Head of the Ayer Chicago Office in 1969. In 1973, he became President of Ayer and later Chairman and CEO of the Midwest Region of Ayer. Bob retired in 1988, to as he said quickly "fail retirement" and return to work as the Executive Vice President/Head of the Midwest for the Advertising Council. Bob has served as President of The Hadley Institute for the Blind and a Trustee for over 30 years, President of Kenilworth Union Church, President of Indian Hill Country Club, President of the Ocean Club of Florida, and President of the Princeton Club of Chicago. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, June 8, 2016, at 3:00 pm, at Kenilworth Union Church, 211 Kenilworth Ave, Kenilworth, IL 60043, with a Reception at Indian Hill Club, Winnetka, IL, to follow. Info: www.donnellanfuneral.com or (847)675-1990.