Robert Hertel
Robert “Bob” Henry Hertel passed away on November 6, 2012 at home, surrounded by family and friends.
Born in Paterson, N.J. on August 27, 1940, Bob was preceded in death by his parents Elizabeth and Joseph Hertel.
Bob graduated from Seton Hall University, majoring in physical education. That would serve him well as an elementary school teacher, a police officer, and a United States Marine. The unexpected was his illustrious business career. Joining R. H. Macy Co., Inc. Executive Training Program in 1967, his early years included human resources and labor relations. Elected to the board of directors of the New York division in 1978, he then became executive vice president of Macy’s Atlanta, president and COO of Macy’s corporate buying division, president and CEO of M.C.O., and in 1991 was appointed senior vice president and director of operations of all operating divisions of R.H. Macy Co., Inc.
In 1997, Bob became president and CEO of the retail group for SKAB, a Saudi Arabian business conglomerate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. After moving to Signal Mountain, Tn., in August 2000, Bob continued to work throughout the world until 2006.
Surviving Bob are his wife, Mary McKenna Hertel, brothers, Rev. Joseph Hertel, O.F.M., of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Gerald Hertel, of Paterson, N.J.
Of all his accomplishments, the one he was most proud of were his six daughters. They always knew that no matter what the situation, he was standing there, good or bad, to be their biggest fan and ally. They are Laura Brooker, Summerville, S.C.; Dana (Mark) Hample, Wellington, Fla.; Cindy (Brian) Ball, Social Circle, Ga.; Alex Collier, Atlanta; Carrie and Samantha Hertel, Chattanooga. He is also survived by niece, Catherine Agnew, Chattanooga, and close family friend Semira (Anton) Hybl, Germantown, Md.; grandchildren, Ben, Andrew, Schuyler, Catie, Chandler and Jason.
Bob’s wicked sense of humor and stories of family, friends, and travels will be greatly missed in all of our lives. May he rest in peace.
The family wishes to express their gratitude and appreciation to Hospice of Chattanooga for their guidance, love and care.
Visitation will be on Friday, Nov. 9, at 1 p.m. at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Chattanooga. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Anthony’s Guild, The Franciscans, 135 W. 31st Street, New York, N.Y. 10001.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaNorthChapel.com.