Robert A. Paul

1937 - 2025

Robert Arthur Paul, a dedicated business leader, civic figure, and philanthropist in the Pittsburgh community and beyond, passed away peacefully on Nov. 15, 2025, at the age of 88. Born on Oct. 28, 1937, in New York City to Isadore and Ruth (Goldstein) Paul, Bob excelled academically from an early age. Placing a premium on education, he earned his Bachelor of Arts from Cornell University in 1959, his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School in 1962, and his Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School in 1964, where he was a Baker Scholar. Professional Leadership After graduating from college, Bob began his career at Ampco-Pittsburgh Corporation and its predecessor, Screw & Bolt Corporation, as a plant foreman in Gary, IN. He proceeded to work there for the remainder of his 50+ year career alongside his father-in-law, Louis Berkman, and his brother-in-law, Marshall Berkman, rising to the level of chairman and chief executive, which he maintained until 2015. He continued to serve as Ampco's chairman until 2016, when he assumed the role of chairman emeritus. As a key member of the team, he played a pivotal role in the company's growth and earned a reputation as a highly regarded leader in the steel industry. Bob's professional life was defined by his strong work ethic, integrity, and commitment to excellence values he carried with him throughout his career. In addition to his work with Ampco-Pittsburgh, Bob served as president of The Louis Berkman Company, where he oversaw private investments across a wide range of industries on behalf of his family. These investments spanned from heavy industrial manufacturing with businesses like Meyer Plows, a leading snowplow manufacturer, to financial services. As an early investor in the banking industry in western Pennsylvania through First National Bank of Washington, he guided its growth through its combination with Union National Bank, Integra Financial Corporation, and ultimately through its sale to National City Corporation. He was also a longstanding director of Echo Real Estate Services. His business acumen and success earned him a nomination to the Pittsburgh Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. The Pittsburgh Steelers was a lifetime passion for Bob, a season ticket holder since 1970. In 2009, he became a minority partner and had the pleasure of celebrating a Super Bowl XLIII victory at the very beginning of his engagement with the team. Philanthropic and Civic Leadership Bob was deeply committed to philanthropy. His philanthropic passions centered around healthcare and education. In healthcare, he served as a board member of the Jewish Home for the Aged in Pittsburgh and a board member of Montefiore Hospital. He became chairman of Montefiore in the late 1980s and helped lead its sale to Presbyterian University Health System, which ultimately became the cornerstone of UPMC Medical. He maintained a board position there for ten years and actively and successfully chaired its investment committee. As well, he served as a board member for his synagogue, Rodef Shalom. His love of education and belief in its benefits led to a lifelong commitment to Cornell University, where he served in myriad roles. He was elected to the board of trustees in 1990 and was named trustee emeritus and presidential counselor in 2002. During his long tenure, he chaired the investment committee and served on the executive committee and the committee on alumni affairs and development. He was a member of the College of Arts & Sciences advisory council for over two decades, co-chaired the "Creating the Future" campaign, and joined the College of Veterinary Medicine advisory council in 2006. Active with the Class of 1959, he chaired the 50th reunion campaign major gifts and gift planning committee. With a strong desire to support students, Bob established the Robert and Donna Paul Academic Advising Fund at Cornell, which encourages and recognizes excellence in academic advising. He and his wife also underwrote the Robert A. and Donna B. Paul Director of Advising at the College of Arts and Sciences. In Pittsburgh, Bob was elected a University of Pittsburgh trustee in 2004 and served until 2013. While there, he served on the executive, health sciences, and investment committees. From 2007 to 2013, he co-chaired Pitt's historic $2 billion "Building Our Future Together" capital campaign. He also served as chairman and trustee of the Fair Oaks Foundation (which was dedicated to supporting charitable causes throughout the Pittsburgh area), life trustee of the Jewish Healthcare Foundation, and vice president and trustee of the Louis and Sandra Berkman Foundation. Family Bob is survived by his wife of 63 years, Donna Berkman Paul; his children, Laurence E. Paul (Kathleen), Stephen E. Paul (Nancy), and Karen Zimmer Paul (Norman M. Powell); and his seven beloved grandchildren, Zachary and Julian Paul, Spencer, Matthew, and Claire Paul, and Jonah and Tyler Zimmer. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Cornell University's Robert and Donna Paul Academic Advising Fund. Gifts can be made online https://giving.cornell.edu/ways-to-give/ or checks can be sent to Cornell University, Box 37334 Boone, IA 50037-0334. Please reference fund number 196311 or indicate that the gift is in memory of Robert Paul. Arrangements entrusted to RALPH SCHUGAR CHAPEL INC. www.schugar.com