Robert Louis Lipset

Robert "Bob" Louis Lipset, 74, passed away on November 22, 2023. Bob was born in Bradenton, Florida where his parents owned a fish market. After the disastrous red tide incursion in the early 50's, the family moved to Levittown, Pennsylvania where Bob grew up. He graduated with honors from Bristol Township High School, then went on to General Motors Institute (now Kettering University) in Flint, Michigan and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering, again graduating with honors. After graduation, Bob became owner and president of Genesee Valley Management Associates, Inc. Businesses included three Marathon Oil Company dealerships and a residential construction business in Genesee County, Michigan.

In 1978, he began multiple engineering and supervisory positions in Flint, Hamtramck, and Detroit Michigan with General Motors Corporation. He followed GM with the position of Manager, Manufacturing Engineering for the Chrysler Corporation in Warren, Michigan.

During his engineering career, Bob often came in contact with undergraduate students completing co-op or internship assignments. That contact influenced his decision to go back to school at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan.

Bob earned a Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering and his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Systems Engineering from Oakland.

With Ph.D. in hand, Bob began his most-loved career – teaching engineering and technology undergraduates. He began in the Industrial & Systems Engineering Department at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio where he was awarded the Russ Outstanding Research Paper Award, and his most prized award, the Russ Outstanding Undergraduate Teacher Award. From there, Bob also taught at Fitchburg State University, Ohio Northern University, and Marietta College. His dedication to his students was a hallmark of his academic career.

After retirement, Bob and his wife, Linda, moved to Sarasota, Florida. Bob loved the sunshine, humidity and the total lack of snow in Sarasota. They spent their time enjoying music, theater (especially Asolo Rep), Selby Gardens, the much-loved beach, traveling and visiting with family. Bob could often be found in his garage tinkering with something. For many of his neighbors, he became the "go to guy" when the AC stopped working, garage door wouldn't go up, watering system malfunctioned, the car is making a "funny" noise, etc. He loved helping his neighbors.

Bob is survived by his "sweetheart" Linda, his much loved and admired daughter Amy, his son Rob and his family, his stepsons Doug and Dan and their families, and his sister Louise and her family. Also surviving are the many friends and colleagues he met over the years. And, of course, by his best buddy his dog Charlie.

We owe so much appreciation to the incredibly kind and caring social workers, nurses and nurse's aides from Tidewell Hospice and on the second floor in The Pines of Sarasota Continuing Care Unit (Bob was in Room 4201). Very special people, one and all.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Civil Liberties Union, at www.aclu.org or 125 Broad Street, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10275-0397 or www.aclu.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmsrobartsfuneralhome.com for the Lipset family.