Robert Stuart Wittmann

I am so saddened to hear the news of Rob´s passing. He was a mentor who always led with empathy and kindness. I often think of the support and guidance he gave me in the most formative years at Digitas and how much impact he has had on my career.

Sending love and light to Rob´s family and friends. He will be missed.

Sending Rob's wife and children, who meant the world to him, and all his family and friends, my heartfelt condolences. I feel so lucky to have worked with him over the last several years and always learned something new and interesting from him. God bless.

Have such fond memories of Rob at Colgate. Such a good guy. I was two years older and played lax with Rob. We were in different fraternities but had great times together both on and off the field. Crushed to hear about his passing. My condolences to his family and everyone who loved him. He will be missed.

Reading these tributes brought back so many great memories of Rob. We first met in a bit of a boiler room sales environment at ScreamingMedia in NYC in the height of the .com boom. It was a pretty chaotic time and we were trying to find our way as young professionals. Rob and I bonded over the long hours, and as anyone who knows him can understand, his positive outlook and ability to tackle any challenge with ease made a huge impact on me. He was different..wise beyond his years and he carried himself in a way that made you want to be and do better.

We made it through the boom and bust and both ended up at Babson for business school. I remember being a little intimidated walking into one of the first classes and once again finding my safe harbor sitting next to Rob.

I feel so grateful to have spent many years working side by side with him and getting to know he and Leslie as a couple. I am so sorry to hear of his passing but also inspired reading all of the stories. He made such an impact in the lives of so many and certainly mine. Sending Leslie and his family a big hug.

Thinking back, I first met Rob on 2020 during the COVID Outbreak. There was a business need to sign a supplier agreement with global GORE entities, Rob signed on behalf of GORE Inc USA. He put a lot of effort in coordinating the contract routing around the globe, by that time we all worked from home. I was very impressed that he was very detail oriented. Then we met again last year, making some business process changes. There were different feedback received. Rob was very patient and tried to support individual markets needs. He was a genuine global leader and gained a lot of respects from our Asian teams.

I send my deepest condolences to Rob´s family. Rob was always recognized as a highly trusted and highly respected Associate by all the teams he worked with. We will greatly miss him! My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.

Rob was a wonderful friend and colleague, always there to lend an ear and to help work through problems, and more importantly, always up for looking at the lighter side of life by having a laugh or a joke. His sharpness and compassion will be sorely missed and I'll personally remember him as one of a kind. My thoughts and condolences go out to all of his family and friends.

Yvonne and I have always been in awe of Rob´s and Leslie´s strength and their ability to be in control when confronted with challenges, to assign proper perspectives, and to make sound decisions! This admiring view of them goes back to their wedding, which was held outdoor on a day when it unexpectedly began raining cats and dogs. Furthermore, the reception plans failed to materialize in the last minute, and Rob cut his foot when breaking the glass during the wedding ceremony! All the guests and family were in a panic. But Rob and Leslie remained calm, smiled, kept their composure, made quick intelligent decisions, and gave instructions to move ahead with the ceremony and celebration. The guests took their cues from Rob and Leslie and everyone ended up with smiles on their faces and greatly enjoying themselves. It was truly an unforgettably wonderful event! At the time, we saw this as a prophetic indication that the two of them would successfully handle any adversity that life presented them!

What a beautifully written obituary for a beautiful soul. My heart aches for those who had the priveledge to know Rob. Sending love and healing to all his friends and family members during this impossible time.

I first met Rob in my Yahoo! Days when he was a client at Dunkin´. He was always open, willing to meet, straightforward, bright - the kind of business partner one hopes for. I had the pleasure of working extensively with him, and our interactions evolved to the golf course, Fenway, Gillette Stadium. There I enjoyed his passion for sport, his excellence on the field of play, and his always-calm demeanor. I´m certain he was a gift to the many young people who were fortunate to have him as their coach. I send warm thoughts and condolences to his family and friends. We lost a great one, but he will find great joy in the afterlife. That´s only right.

Working alongside Rob at Digitas, I will always remember his energy and enthusiasm to do things differently and push for better. I also vividly remember how much he loved his kids; they were his whole world. My heart breaks knowing how much he will be missed in the years to come. I know he will be with his family and loved ones every single step of the way. He will be so missed.

When I started working with Rob at Gore, I only knew him from the chest up. Multiple times a week, he'd enter my computer screen from his living room, standing or sitting at his desk, or sometimes, during the early morning calls, sitting on the couch with Sparky.

Six months later, when we were both in Newark for a meeting, Rob said, "I'll meet you in the lobby. I'm the tall one."

While my initial thought might have been, "Okay...how tall could you possibly be?", I love this story because it says so much about Rob. Putting others first, considering their feelings, helping them feel comfortable. Funny, humorous, and quick-witted - with maybe an appetite for a little self-deprecation when the situation called for it.

I already knew how smart and creative Rob was from his ideas and work. I already knew he was the kind of guy who didn't just say his family was his priority, but actively made his family his priority, from our weekly conversations. I already knew how important it was for him to show up fully, whether for a hockey practice or a big meeting, from the way he showed up to every day.

But these few words helped me see more of him...before I ever even saw how tall he was.

Sending my deep and heartfelt condolences to Robs family and loved ones...it´s hard to find the right words. I met Rob in his role before he entered Gore. At the occasions while working with him at Gore, I truly enjoyed it. I remember him as a sharp thinker, a very good listeners and someone who brought calm and fun to the teams - this will be so missed. And one of the things he´d always brought across when talking to him was him being so proud of his family and children.

I was lucky enough to be hired by Rob and then had the honor of learning so much from him. He was so smart, welcoming, fun, and funny - we'd spend half our time working and half our time laughing and talking about life. He will always have a lasting impact on me, and I will think about him often.

Saying prayers for strength for your family in this time of need. I am so sorry for your loss. I just met Rob, and his patience and kindness has stuck with me. I am happy I did have that opportunity to meet him.

I'm truly heartbroken by Rob's passing and my sincerest condolences to his family. Rob played an huge part in my hiring process at WL Gore. From there we worked closely together over the course of several projects. Rob was always super kind, supportive, and most importantly fun to work with. I looked at Rob as mentor with work and life. I will miss you very much...

I am so sorry, Leslie. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Peace, Mary Dunphy

Sending prayers and healing vibes. My daughter is a 4th grader at PRS and knows Lucy. I'm so sorry for your loss. I don't know your family but I am thinking of you. Rob seemed like an incredible person.
Best, Ashley Staton
Hingham/PRS mom.

I was shocked and saddened to hear about Rob´s passing. He was an incredible colleague, an inspiring leader, and above all, a truly remarkable person. I had the pleasure of working with him at Gore, and I will always remember his kindness, integrity, and dedication. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

I worked with Rob during his Dunkin years. He sticks in my memory as a really great person, with a big smile and thoughtful approach to solving tough problems. One of my favorite people there, and I regret not staying in touch. My heart is with his family and friends. He will be remembered.

I played lacrosse at Colgate with Rob and he was such a great teammate and presence in our locker room. He had the easiest and quickest smile. I also had the pleasure of working with him at Lord Abbett right after school. He was a great mentor and friendly face who helped me adjust to real life. I still laugh when I think of him picking up phone calls from our salesmen with the longest "Brrrrrrro" greeting of all time. The world needs more like Rob, not less. I hope all that knew him honor him as we go through the rest of our lives by being a little nicer, empathetic, compassionate and selfless like him.

So sorry to hear this news. Will pray for the family and hope they find some comfort is all the amazing things being said about him.
Kelly & Chris

Sending my deepest sympathy to Ned, my former student, and to the whole Wittman family. Ned, your dad raised a wonderful son- respectful, kind, warm-hearted, just plain good. I loved being YOUR teacher. Your father's obituary describes a magnificent man who made a great difference in the world- starting with being a great father. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. With heartfelt sympathy, Rea Cassidy (aka Ms. Cassidy)

I am so sorry to hear this news. Rob was an incredible person and I am better for having known him. I´ll absolutely miss him.

Grateful for the tremendously positive impact Rob "Coach Wittmann" had on our son, Carter. A humble, and empowering, mentor who opened up our family's love for the sport of lacrosse...and all of the togetherness that comes with it. Thank you for instilling the confidence and desire to continue on with this great game as he gets older. We are deeply saddened by these tragic events. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Wittmann Family.

Sending my heartfelt sympathy and love to the Wittmann family. I was lucky enough to partner with Rob during his time at Digitas. He was the best kind of leader- equal parts empathetic and a expert in his craft. He was a true mentor and cared for his team at every turn. But it wasn´t just his business smarts and savvy that I remember, it´s more that he was the nicest person in the room. He was one of kind and will be missed by all who were lucky to know him.

Rob was one of the first friends I made after moving to Boston. He was a great partner at Digitas. His enthusiasm was infectious, his positivity always lifted the team he led and his smarts helped us achieve some of our most memorable work. Rob and Leslie were so welcoming when we moved to the South Shore and I look back now on so many memories together with Rob. From rides through Wompy, to trips on the boat, to numerous meaningful conversations over a beer and tacos, that Rob was always obliging whenever we sought each others advice. I admired Rob immensely, as he gave so much of himself to others. Not least his family, who I know he lived his life for and I learned so much from Rob about being a Dad. I'm heartbroken. And heartbroken for Leslie and the children that such a special guy is gone. But I know I've taken so much from my time with him. Going to miss you so much mate x

My sincere condolences to the Wittmann family. Thinking of you all and wishing you peace during this difficult time.

My deepest sympathy to Leslie and the kids and all of Rob´s family.

So very sorry to hear this. Remember him for his days in Summit. Sending love and prayers to all in his family.

We didn't know him well but recognized many of the qualities described
here.
Heartfelt condolences to Rob's family

Rob was one of the first people that I met when I joined Gore. I was visiting the headquarters during my first week and met Rob in passing.
Despite not being in the same department, he invited me out to dinner that night with another colleague, knowing I was new and in town with no plans. We had a great time and I couldn't help but think how thoughtful that was--I didn't get a chance to work closely with Rob, however, his reputation as a great guy certainly reached far and wide!

Rob was my partner in crime at Digitas for many years. He always maintained a calm demeanor and never took work too seriously, always keeping in mind what truly matters. He was a wonderful person who will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. My heartfelt condolences to the entire Wittmann family; my thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. - Lea Westort

At Gore, Rob was a good sport. Here he is as Robert Palmer playing along to "Simply Irresistible."

Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day-Our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Jackie and Roger Pierangelo

My heart is heavy and my best goes out to the whole family.

First and foremost, my heart goes out to Leslie, Toby, Ned, and Lucy and the entire family. Rob was one of the best people i´ve ever had the privilege of calling a colleague and a friend. While we shared a Babson and Theta Chi connection, i came to truly know Rob as a trusted, talented, and highly respected colleague at Dunkin´. There are so few people that you meet in life that are just truly nice, thoughtful, and caring to their core. That was Rob. Big smile, great laugh, really smart, easy going but tenacious at work. The world is a little less good today, and i am so deeply saddened by his passing. Rob and I lost touch over the years as our families grew and our careers took us in different directions. I always figured we´d cross paths again. I cried today harder than i have in a long time.

So deeply sorry to hear of the tragic loss of Rob. I knew Rob from his formidable years at Lincoln elementary school in Summit New Jersey. We were the same grade and I remember sitting next to him for an entire year in assigned seating. He was a kind and gentle soul. Always nice even from that young age and willing to be a friend.Sending you strength and love and prayers as you navigate an unimaginably difficult journey.
Much love Julie (Morhouse) Gustafson Winchester, MA

Reading Rob's obituary I am additionally saddened by knowing that I did not have the opportunity to meet and know him and that if I did I would have really enjoyed the experience.
As a friend of the Harr family in the early years of Leslie's life in Ardsley, she was a friend of our daughter and spent lots of time in our home, enjoying their childhood experiences and discoveries .
With the recent renewal of friendship between our families I was stunned by the news of the accident and followed the details of the weeks following from afar.
I want to sent love to all and know that in my heart I hope that the road ahead will be one that friends and family will be able to provide the support that will be necessary to get through each day.
Sending virtual hugs
Sharon Chertok

My deepest condolences to Rob´s family. I´m very sorry to hear of his passing. He and I went to Colgate together but became close while at our first jobs out of undergrad at Lord Abbett in NY. Rob was kind hearted and a team player. I´m glad to have known him. RIP Rob.

Leslie, Lucy and family,
In just the few times Rob was there for pick up after art class and the brief times we spoke, I noticed how patient and thoughtful a Dad he was to his Lucy. I am so very sorry for your loss. sending lots of love and healing.
"Miss Jill"
Jill Powell

I am so sorry to hear of Rob´s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.

Rob always laughed and made us smile both at work and outside of work. just a good person and soul. Will always remember the projects we worked on and how he was the smartest person in the room. My deepest condolences.

Rob really was the best guy - Leslie this is the most beautiful and heartfelt tribute to a life so well lived. I loved my years working with Rob at Digitas. He was so strategic, such a thoughtful and dedicated manager of people, and incredibly hardworking while also making sure he could get out to be home for that night´s practice or kid´s game - he did it all. I will always treasure the night our 2 families spent grilling and fishing during golden hour on Menemsha beach. My heart aches for what you all have already been through, and what is to come.

Wow. Such terrible news. Rob and I were friends growing up playing Beacon Hill hockey together in Summit. He was such a great guy and great teammate and all our families were close. Sending love to you all.

Wishing comfort and strength to Rob´s family and friends. He was truly a wonderful man.
I feel lucky to have know him.

Rob worked for me at Dunkin´ first as an intern and then as an entry lever marketer. I knew at once that he would exceed anyone´s expectations. I too grew up in Summit. I sorely missed Trost Bakery´s cheese danish. When Rob went home from Boston to Summit he bought me a dozen cheese danish and brought them to me!
I´m devastated to hear this news and so sad for his family. My prayers are with you

Laura Stanton

I WORKED WITH ROB AT DUNKIN! HE WAS THE BEST! RIP MY FRIEND :(

I am so deeply saddened and stunned to read this news; I´m moved by reading the impact Rob has continued to have on everyone in his life. He is such a fixture in my memories when I started at City Sports in my graphic design role, supporting his marketing team. Leslie and kids-my heart surrounds you.