August 10, 1930 - April 3, 2024
On April 3rd, 2024, Dr. Robert W Gerwig, aged 93, passed away peacefully in Naples, FL.
Bob’s early years in Iowa and Nebraska shaped his midwestern values that remained with him throughout his life. He received a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering at Iowa State University. Following a brief stint at Hercules Corporation and the Midwest Research Institute, he served in the Army at the rocket propulsion lab of White Sands Proving Ground in New Mexico. He then earned master’s and doctorate degrees in Business Economics at the University of Chicago. Bob dedicated the remainder of his career to Conoco, where he was a highly regarded Engineer and Economist in the Petroleum industry. During his early tenure at Conoco, Bob completed an executive management training course at Harvard. He retired as executive vice president and president of chemical operations shortly after they were acquired by DuPont in 1983.
In Chicago, Bob met a spirited Irish nurse, Elizabeth O’Connell. They married and raised three children, Curtis, Brian, and Carey while residing in Houston, TX, Mountain Lakes, NJ, Greenwich, CT, and Naples, FL. They returned annually to a holiday home in Glandore, West Cork, Ireland to spend time with family, and enjoy the lovely countryside. They were married for 42 years until Elizabeth passed away in 2003. Bob is survived by his son Curtis Gerwig of Encinitas, CA and daughter Carey Gerwig Jones of Solana Beach, CA, his grandson Tristan Jones, and granddaughters Mary Gerwig and Elizabeth Gerwig. He was predeceased by his wife Elizabeth O’Connell Gerwig, his brother Donald Gerwig, and his son Brian Gerwig.
After early retirement, Bob dedicated his business expertise working with nonprofits that benefited the research and education of mental illness. He and Elizabeth were actively involved with supporting many national and regional entities including NAMI, NARSAD Research, Pathways, and the Laurel House in honor of his late son Brian.
After the death of “Liz”, Bob met Jeanne Kelly in his apartment building and they married in 2008. Their 14-year partnership enriched and lengthened their later years while residing in Greenwich CT, and at Moorings Park in Naples, FL. He was predeceased by Jeanne in 2022 and is survived by four stepchildren and many stepgrandchildren.
Bob was a humble and generous man of great intelligence and innate wisdom who enjoyed simple pleasures. He loved a good ballgame or game of cards, appreciated nature, an occasional round of golf or tennis match, managed his own investment portfolio, and had a healthy sense of humor until the end of his life. He was a true gentleman.
A memorial service will be held at Bower Chapel at Moorings Park in Naples, FL on Sat., May 25th at 11:00 a.m., with internment to follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Greenwich, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Avow Hospice, Naples, FL at avowcares.org.