Robert Frederick Salsitz, most knew him as Bob or Bobby, passed away at 77-years-old after a short, fierce battle with pancreatic cancer on April 3, 2024, in Powhatan, Virginia. He was surrounded by his family and two beloved Brussels griffons, Winniefleur and Sally B. He was preceded in death by his parents Murray Salsitz and Ruth Stein Salsitz Weiner.
Salsitz is survived by his wife of 55 years, Susan Salsitz; daughter Julie Davi (Mike) and their daughters Ainslie and Lauren; son Ethan Salsitz (Laura Lee); brothers Richard Salsitz (Diane) and Howard Salsitz (Rhondi); and, sister-in-law Jenny Baldwin.
In 1965, Marshall University proved a pivotal destination for Salsitz. There he would meet his best friend and future business partner Jack Kessick. He would go on to become president of Zeta Beta Tau (ZBT) and fatefully cross paths with the love of his life, Susan.
By 1970, Salsitz was hired by the David Joseph Company, a recycled iron metal brokerage based in Cincinnati, Ohio. His first position was as a trader in Detroit, Michigan. He soon moved up the ladder, working in Cleveland, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Cincinnati, Ohio. Salsitz is credited with reviving and developing the company’s international business sector. His success saw him become president of the division.
When the David Joseph Company expanded into non-ferrous metals in 1991, they acquired the Frank H. Nott Company. Salsitz moved to Richmond, Virginia, to be CEO and GM of Nott. After nine years, he left to join ProTrade Steel with his best friend Jack and served as a partner, the vice president of trading, and an executive board member.
Salsitz retired from ProTrade Steel in 2015, leaving behind an unmatched legacy of honesty, integrity, and business acumen in the recycled material trade.
The Salsitz family would like to thank all friends and neighbors for their continuous support and friendship. And a very special thank you to the team from Suncrest Hospice-Allison, Denise, Destiny, and Kenny-whose vigilant, compassionate care made Salsitz’s final days as comfortable as possible.
The service will be held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia, at 10:30 a.m., April 20, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boys and Girls Club, SOAR365, or Doctors Without Borders.
Obituary originally published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Apr. 14, 2024.
Robert Frederick Salsitz, most knew him as Bob or Bobby, passed away at 77-years-old after...