Robert Frederick Salsitz

1947 - 2024

SALSITZ, Robert Frederick, 77-years-old, called Bob or Bobby by most who knew him, passed away after a short, fierce battle with pancreatic cancer on April 3, 2024, in Powhatan, VA. He was surrounded by his family and two beloved Brussels griffons, Winniefleur and Sally B. He was preceded in death by his parents Murray Salsitz and Ruth Stein Salsitz Weiner.

Bobby is survived by his wife of 55 years, Susan Salsitz; daughter Julie Davi (Mike) and their daughters Ainslie and Lauren; son Ethan Salsitz (Laura Lee); brothers Richard Salsitz (Diane) and Howard Salsitz (Rhondi); and, sister-in-law Jenny Baldwin.

In 1965, Marshall University proved a pivotal destination for Bobby. There he would meet his best friend and future business partner Jack Kessick. He would go on to become president of Zeta Beta Tau (ZBT) and fatefully cross paths with the love of his life.

The story goes: Susan walked into the gymnasium where the ZBTs were preparing for homecoming. Atop one of the floats, she saw a young fraternity brother, whom she didn't know, bathed in a light from above. At that very moment, she said to herself, "That's the man I'm going to marry." Susan was right. Four years later, the two walked down the aisle.

By 1970, Bobby was hired by the David Joseph Company, a scrap iron metal brokerage based in Cincinnati, OH. His first position was as a trader in Detroit, MI. He soon moved up the ladder, working in Cleveland, OH, Pittsburgh, PA, and Cincinnati, OH. Bobby is credited with reviving and developing the company's international business sector. His success saw him become president of the division.

When the David Joseph Company expanded into non-ferrous metals in 1991, they acquired the Frank H. Nott Company. Bobby moved to Richmond, VA, to be CEO and GM of Nott. After nine years, he left to join ProTrade Steel with his best friend Jack and served as a partner, the vice president of trading, and an executive board member.

Bobby retired from ProTrade Steel in 2015, leaving behind an unmatched legacy of honesty, integrity, and business acumen in the scrap trade.

Forever curious and filled with wanderlust, Bobby traveled to 52 countries... in search of the world's best Scotch. (Turns out it's in Holland.) When he wasn't trekking the globe, he was playing golf. It wasn't unusual for Bobby to play two rounds of 18 holes in a row. And it should be noted he hit two holes in one during his life.

Hub, Dreck, The Wizard, Dad, Bubba, Golf Bobby, Gramps, Mr. Bobby Daddy Sir... Bobby was deeply adored and had many nicknames. Regardless of the endearment, each one was spoken in the spirit of love and respect. Bobby is still a bright, shining star. There is no other like him. He will be dearly and painfully missed by all.

The Salsitz family would like to thank all friends and neighbors for their continuous support and friendship. And a very special thank you to the team from Suncrest Hospice-Allison, Denise, Destiny, and Kenny-whose vigilant, compassionate care made Bobby's final days as comfortable as possible.

The service will be held at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Richmond, VA, at 10:30 a.m., April 20, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boys and Girls Club, SOAR365, or Doctors Without Borders.