ADALBERT VON GONTARD

VON GONTARD--Adalbert Jr. (June 1, 1925 - October 1, 2021). Known as "Adie", passed away at 96 after a glorious life - spending 69 years with his late beloved wife, Marie (Mamie) Williams von Gontard. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Adalbert and Suzanne von Gontard, his brother, Paul von Gontard and is survived by his sister, Clara Hazel (Baby) von Gontard of St. Louis, MO. Adie grew up in a well-known and respected family, in which hard-work, loyalty, and fairness were the cornerstones of their enterprise and value system. His great- grandfather was Adolphus Busch, Founder of Anheuser-Busch, Inc., his grandfather Baron Paul Kurt von Gontard was President of Daimler- Mercedes Benz Corp., and his father was a Sr. Executive Vice President and former Vice Chairman of the Board of Anheuser-Busch, Inc. A native of St. Louis, MO, Adie was a banker, publisher, philanthropist, pilot, and nationally ranked polo player. Adie was a former Vice President of the Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company in their National Division. He served as a General Executive of Metromedia, Inc., as well as Publisher of Diplomat Magazine. Adie also consulted for Previews, Inc., an international real estate marketing service. Later, becoming a private investor and philanthropist. He was a valued member and trustee of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York for 66 years. He served as a Trustee of the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich and was a former Chairman of the Board of Greenwich Riding & Trails Association. Adie was also a former Governor of the USA Polo Association and Chairman of the Northeastern Circuit. The Greenwich Rotary Club chose Adie as its Citizen of the Year in 2012. Adie was as an accomplished horseman and formidable polo player, known for his grey horses from Pitchfork Ranch. Adie received several national and international awards from his riding and polo career. He was also a fierce competitor at golf, racquet sports, shooting, poker and skiing. He was a member of Round Hill Club (Greenwich, CT), The Misquamicut Club (Watch Hill, RI), Doubles Club and The University Club in New York City and the Philadelphia Gun Club. Adie was the quintessential character, known for his charm, humor and generosity. He often said, "It is not about what you do, but how you make people feel." His enthusiasm for life, people and animals was contagious and he made sure to embrace all of them. Always with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face, he left an indelible impression on everyone he met. Adie was best personified by Dr. Seuss: "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those that matter don't mind." He was most adored by his three children: Adalbert von Gontard, III (Beatrice Busch, Virginia), Eugenie Daniel (J.B., Texas) and Victoria Skouras (Spyros Jr., Connecticut). He will be profoundly missed by his family, including: his loving sister, Baby and nine grandchildren: Andrew (Alma), Alex, Peter and Adie IV, von Gontard; Colton (Allie Rae) and Becky Lee Daniel; Spyros III (Hope), Marina (Christopher Costaras) and Sophia Skouras, and his nine great-grandchildren. A service will be held on Friday, October 8th at St. Michael's Church, Greenwich, CT at 11:30am followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, please consider donation(s) to: Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York, Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich, Westerly Hospital, Greenwich Riding & Trails Association.