I miss my Dad today.  Building my own company is stressful but I will always remember his words and unshakable positivity.  In the end, it is always in God's hands.  Love you Dad and Mom.

I quote Bob regularly and always give him credit.
It's been 32 years since I last spoke to him.

One quick story.  Everyone was arriving to an NFBA function in San Francisco and Bob was in the lobby talking to a few of us when someone came up and complimented him on his tie.  Bob flashed his fabulous smile and stated "You are the 2nd person to say that to me."
John Gennari chuckled and quickly added, "Bob, you're the SVP of Sales, of course it's a great tie."  (or something like that)
Bob enjoyed that comments and we all laughed.

Robert Woods Spessard, we love you!

Still remember Bob as my number one boss. Hard to believe he has been gone for so long. Straight forward and ethical man who set the standards for Ragu foods. God bless.

Dad always was and always will be my Idol.  Love you Dad!

I have such wonderful memories of Bob and the entire Ragu "family" he created. I will never forget his collection of 8"x10" photos-- every member of his sales team proudly displayed on a wall in his office! He always had your back and you knew it. I will never forget my years at Ragu and the positive difference Bob made in my life and the lives of so many. 

It would be difficult to add to or enhance all of the very true comments regarding Bob. Simply put he was one of the very best at what he did, a true gentleman in every sense and an influence for good, professionally and personally. It was an honor to represent Ragu Foods for so many  years under his leadership.
Ron Fish

I had the pleasure of working for Bob for several years at Ragu. Bob made that company the highlight of my sales career. He made us all better. I remember when Bob said that if we didn’t achieve our sale quota, that it was the wrong goal.
Thanks Bob for the best working years of my life. Keep selling!



Bob was a wonderful guy and a warm-hearted classmate. I am so sorry for your loss. Sincerely, George 

Bob was a classmate through elementary, jr. high and high school.  We also attended Sunday school and  the youth group at church.  I remember he always had such a big smile.   

I first met Bob through my dad when he was with Ragu Foods where he was chiefly responsible for building a company culture of competence and integrity.  Like my dad, the principles he worked by were indistinguishable from those he lived by.  People loved working for Bob because they loved him.

I wanted to let Bob’s children and grandchildren know how much we all loved Bob and how, to this day, he is a model of how to live professionally and personally.  

May Bob rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon him.

Jim Leeper


Uncle Bob and Aunt Barbara, those were the two most wonderful words a young boy could hear. Today that still holds true, even more so. Being in their embrace and orbit was sheer joy. Thank you both for your affections, love, and example of a life well lived. Hearing of Bobs passing is a mix of sadness and happiness, sadness not to be in that magical orbit, but happiness at the thought of Uncle Bob and Aunt Barbara together again

I worked with Bob for nearly 10 years at Ragu Foods and hearing the sad news of his passing brought back so many wonderful memories of working with him  at Lafayette Place in Greenwich and Merritt Blvd in Trumbull. 

He was a great business partner and mentor to me and to so many others. He led by example, inspired many of us to appreciate and understand what being a responsible and compassionate leader was all about,  while holding us all accountable for our commitment and contribution to the team.  

But, perhaps most important, he was a friend and someone who always had time to listen and share advice.

Thanks, Bob,  for all you did for me.

To the Spessard family, my sincere condolences.

John Rice 

Oh Dot,
Gary and I are so sad to hear of Bob's passing.  I remember meeting you both at AFUMC. We were sitting next to you as strangers and left as friends.
What sweet memories of our supper group! Bob was just the sweetest man with the warmest smile and
a twinkle in his eye....and the best dresser!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
As you journey through this sadness.
Hugs and love.
Meryl and Gary


Bob and I have had a friendship for 47 years. I had the pleasure of working for him twice.  First in 1973 at the Warner lambert company 
And next at Ragu in 1976.  He was not only a great boss but also a true friend.
We shared the same birthday so we had a reason to stay in touch all those years.
He called me when he lost Babs and he called when he found Dot.
So glad they found each other.
He was a fine Christian man and he will be missed by those is us that lived him

Pops you are the greatest example to me of what it means to be a man of nobility and character. You are the kindest, most patient and generous man I’ve ever known. Glad to know you are with your Savior and mom! I am so thankful I will see you again... but not yet. Enter into your rest Pops. I love you. 

In lieu of flowers donations to American Parkinson’s  please. 

https://www.apdaparkinson.org/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=Cj0KCQiAqdP9BRDVARIsAGSZ8AneFE6WIdhe2tjTca4LRLySCr-koFDbhBcoMWDww-LUTKReWxKyCQ8aAjZ2EALw_wcB

I worked for Bob when Ragu' moved from Rochester, NY to Greenwich, CT.  Always a gentleman, easy to work with and one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.  My deepest sympathy to the Spessard family.   

I worked either directly or indirectly for Bob for more than 17 years.  No one person influenced my value base or my actions in business more than Bob, who was always straight up and fair in his dealings with everyone, even when a lesser man would have taken a path more easily traveled.  He taught me much about managing through difficult times, and through every  situation maintained an integrity of process and purpose that never faltered.  Bob will be missed by many, but there are so many great memories, that I cannot help but smile, when I think of him.  Rest in peace, Bob.  You deserve it.

Robert Woods Spessard created an environment that was never equaled.  His Sales Family was something very special. That southern charm was familiar to me and it made me want to be like him.   He shared his many gifts of leadership easily.  
Thank You. 
God Bless You and Bring You Peace. 

You have my deepest condolences and prayers.  I did not know your Dad but I do know he raised you to be a man of integrity and kindness.  I understand your sadness and hope the memories will bring happiness. 

Bob gave the opportunity of a life time, business understanding, communication and people skills while working at Ragu. Bob provided me with mentorship that was above and beyond any other assistance that I received in my entire career. Thank you Bob I will always remember your kindness to me.
Steve Heintz

I had the wonderful honor of working with Bob for many years on the Ragu' Foods business with Chesebrough-Pond's and later, Unilever.  He was always kind, patient, humble and set both an ethical and motivational example for all of us to follow as we were building our careers.  I have so many happy memories of intercompany softball games, Plaque Parties with Babs,  staff and food brokers, and just everyday interactions with Bob.  He was respected, sought out and loved by all; a natural teacher and mentor who will never be forgotten.  Sending our deepest condolences to the Spessard family at this difficult time.  Rest In Peace, Bob; you were one of a kind. 

Dad was and still is my hero and my idol.  Most kind, caring and wonderful person I have ever known.  I love you Dad and will miss you terribly.  Tell Mom I love her.

The best boss at Ragu Foods. He always treated everyone fairly & with compassion.  A loss to all that knew him. 

The staff of Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery would like to extend our most sincere condolence to the Spessard Family. We would like to thank you for entrusting the care of your love one into our hands. Please remember you are not alone and we will always be here for you. 

OBITUARY

Robert Woods Spessard

August 8, 1935 – November 13, 2020

Roswell Funeral Home & Green Lawn Cemetery & Mausoleum

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