Robert Walter Blankenbaker

Robert Walter Blankenbaker of Bethesda, MD passed away on August 28 after a prolonged illness. He was 70. Robert was a dedicated husband, father, and son whose strength, perseverance, and work ethic shaped countless lives.

After earning his bachelor's degree in political science and history from George Mason University and a master’s degree in labor relations from the University of the District of Columbia, he embarked on a distinguished three-decade-long career with the federal government, highlighted by his significant contributions to the U.S. Department of Commerce. His work was instrumental in shaping the Obama and Biden Administration’s global policy on microchips and advancing key technology sectors crucial to national economic growth. His professional journey took him across the globe—from Japan and Malaysia to Hong Kong, Thailand, Korea, the European Union, Brazil, and Mexico—where he played a pivotal role in opening markets for American businesses and worked alongside the Obama Administration to reduce tariffs on next-generation semiconductors, safeguard U.S. intellectual property rights from foreign threats, and promote America’s strategic global economic and trade interests. While working full-time at the Department of Commerce, he also earned a second master’s degree in international management and marketing from the University of Maryland. Early in his career, he worked for the Library of Congress and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

Known for his engaging conversations and interests on a range of subjects from American history to pop culture, including baseball, Ernest Hemingway, Joe Strummer, deep sea fishing, the Marx Brothers and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Robert leaves behind a legacy of intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm. He was a lifelong supporter of labor rights and Democratic causes. In later life, he converted to Catholicism.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Eileen Werner-Blankenbaker, who he met at a Violent Femmes concert at the original 9:30 Club, their sons Eric and Victor, and five beautiful grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to visit with Robert's family at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home in Silver Spring, MD, on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Derwood, MD, on September 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert’s memory to the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California (see link below).