Robert Bernard “Bob” Loevner, age 92, passed peacefully on August 29th from complications distinct from successful double bypass surgery in June. It is poetic that our beloved Bob’s stout heart was at his advanced age deemed worthy of such extraordinary intervention as it was that very part of him which most exemplified his character and main wish in life – to make all around him, be they family, friends or even strangers feel attended, appreciated and loved.
Born June 28, 1926, he was the son of Max and Regina Loevner. Forever an athlete and ardent sports fan, as a student at Taylor Allderdice high school he earned the nickname Arky for his baseball playing style which evoked that of Pirate shortstop Arky Vaughan. He served in the Naval Merchant Marine service during WWII and in the Army during the Korean War. After completing his bachelor’s degree in business management at Pitt, he became a third generation employee of the family apparel business, Trau & Loevner. Following a brief hiatus serving as sales manager for both The Villager and Bobbie Brooks clothing brands, he returned to Trau & Loevner where he would ultimately become its president.
In 1970, sensing that the screen-printed t-shirt was becoming the uniform of a generation, Mr. Loevner transformed Trau & Loevner from a regional garment wholesaler into one of the first nationally significant makers of licensed and novelty printed apparel, focusing on sports, entertainment and other themes. Upon leaving the family concern, he continued manufacturing collegiate sportswear via his firm, First String, until his retirement.
A man of unflagging entrepreneurial spirit, Mr. Loevner alongside his late wife Joanne also renovated East End houses into multi-apartment rental dwellings before then teaming with her in 1968 to open The Added Touch, for twenty years Pittsburgh’s premier women’s ready-to-wear boutique. Tennis and golf occupied much of his leisure time as did his support and mentoring of college athletes both locally and elsewhere. A charming raconteur, he delighted in telling stories and jokes and was always available for friends or relatives in need. Known as a selfless family man and loved and respected by those who knew him, Bob will be greatly missed.
Preceded in death by wife Joanne, daughter Sandra Loevner, sister Patricia Sabel Oliphant, and brother-in-law Dr. Richard Lippe, he is survived by daughter Deborah Frankel, sons James Loevner and Roger Rothfield, sister-in-law Anne Lippe, sons-in-law Randy Frankel and Daniel Heit, grandchildren Alexander Heit (Harris Blum), Andrew Frankel (Stephanie), Blake Rothfield, David Frankel, Elliot Rothfield, Morgan Wilks (Tom), Suzy Gavin (Pete), great-grandchildren Abigail, Blake, Evan and Wesley and his dear companion Arlene Johan. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that memorial contributions in Bob’s name be made to the donor’s charity of choice. Family arrangements are private.
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