Robert Charles Gremlely

A truly exceptional person has left this world too soon. Robert "Rob" Charles Gremley, 60, passed away suddenly on June 29, 2025, at his home in Osterville, MA.

Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Rob was a graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering. He enjoyed a distinguished career spanning nearly thirty-five years in the enterprise software industry. Rob spent 27 years at PTC, where he was a member of their executive team for two decades and held several senior leadership roles, including Executive Vice President of Product Development and Marketing and Group President of the Technology Platform Group.

In 2018, Rob was appointed CEO of ETQ. Over his five-year tenure, he led the company through a major transformation-from a legacy software provider to a modern SaaS organization. His leadership was instrumental to ETQ's growth and success, culminating in its acquisition by Hexagon AB in 2022 and its seamless integration afterward.

In 2023, Rob joined TCV as an Operating Partner and served as Executive Chairman of Perceptyx, a TCV portfolio company.

While Rob's professional accomplishments were remarkable, he will be remembered most for how he led-with compassion, humility, and a deep sense of purpose. He cared deeply for those around him, offering not only his time and insight but also his trust and belief in their potential. His impact extended far beyond the workplace. The relationships he built and the lives he touched are lasting reflections of the authenticity, warmth, and integrity that defined him.

Rob had just the right ratio of personal excellence and low-key humor to make everyone comfortable and wish they were seated at the table next to him. He was the kind of person who made everyone feel like family. He was a natural host, never letting anyone leave the Gremley home without a care package in hand. "My biggest fear is that there's not enough food," he would often say, making sure every holiday and gathering of friends overflowed with warmth and abundance.

He lived his life with generosity and an unwavering sense of integrity. Rob did the right thing even when no one was watching. He held himself to the highest standards and expected the same of others-not through pressure or demand, but by example. In both his personal and professional life, his word was his bond. People trusted Rob because they knew he was honest, dependable, and guided by strong moral principles. He never sought credit, but his impact was deeply felt. He connected with people in ways that were sincere and lasting, always taking a genuine interest in who they were and what mattered to them. In his professional life, Rob brought humanity into leadership, forming relationships that transcended the workplace.

He was a mentor and an incredible listener who always put others first. Rob had an extraordinary gift for lifting people up, making them believe in themselves, and bringing out the best in those around him. Whether it was greeting the UPS driver with a seltzer, checking in with every single employee during the COVID pandemic, or offering to lend a hand or an ear, Rob's thoughtfulness knew no bounds.

His professional accomplishments are impressive and gave him the opportunity to travel the world and expand his experiences, yet he chose to stay close to home and head to Nantucket to unwind with his family. Swimming, running, sailing, and boating were a through line in his personal life, and he was incredibly proud to support Pam and Sophie in their love of horses. Rob inherited a skill with tools from his parents and appreciated those who worked with their hands, with a bit of sweat equity in a project. He was great on the grill and a maestro of washing dishes. Rob set expectations for himself that we hold dearly and in our hearts; those qualities of care and integrity that we will gently carry forward in his absence, knowing it would matter to him that we do our best.

Rob often said he didn't have a passion-he had work. But in truth, his greatest passion was people. He cared deeply, and he loved fiercely-none more so than his beloved wife, Pamela Gremley, and their daughter, Sophia Elizabeth Gremley, whom he adored beyond measure. His love, laughter, and legacy of selfless care will live on in all who were lucky enough to know him.

Contributions in Rob's memory can be made to Worcester Polytechnic Institute to the Robert C. Gremley '86 Memorial Scholarship

To donate online: visit http://bit.ly/4l1zT8s

To send payment via check: Make check payable to Worcester Polytechnic Institute and include Robert C. Gremley '86 Memorial Scholarship in the memo. Mail checks to:

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Attn: University Advancement

100 Institute Road

Worcester, MA 01609-2280