Strom, Robert B.

Robert B. Strom, 95, WWII U.S. Coast Guard Veteran, a longtime Winnetka resident and owner of Strom products passed away Saturday, March 5, 2022 at Evanston Hospital. A pioneer in the food industry, a savvy and successful businessman and investor, “He ran his companies well and with great business insight and acumen,” said his nephew Peter R. Coladarci, “yet he was kind and generous to his employees and business associates. He was one of the most optimistic and magnanimous people you could ever meet.” “Mister always treated with me such respect,” said Grace Nowosadzki, the Strom’s longtime family member and housekeeper, “I am part of his family.” Mr. Strom was a native of Belvedere, IL where his father was a prominent lawyer and elected states attorney. Mr. Strom declined to follow his father’s wishes to pursue a legal career, instead upon graduation from the University of Illinois in 1950 he went his own way and pursued a business career, including working at J. Walter Thompson and Quaker Oats before buying his own company in 1974 and creating the legendary pasta products No Yolks and Wacky Mac. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of fifty years, Anne L’Estrange Reynolds. He is survived by his children Robert R. Strom, Joanne Gitlin, Carolyn Ray (Andrew); his grandchild Hannah Gitlin and his second wife Joan. His daughter Carolyn Ray related, “At the end, I played my parent’s song, Frank Sinatra’s, ‘It Had to Be You,’” and said, “Dad, fly to Mommy,” as the song ended, he took a last breath and then he was gone. Burial is private. Memorial may be made to: Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter, 2200 Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods, IL 60015. Info: donnellanfuneral.com or (847) 675-1990.

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