Deceased December 9, 2015
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In Memory
Bob Ittel died on Dec. 9, 2015, at his home in Surprise, Ariz., after a long battle with prostate cancer. He is survived by his widow Pat Dumbacher, daughters Heather Lawrence and Leslie McManis, three grandchildren and friends from all stages of his life.
Bob entered Amherst from Pittsburgh, Pa., with the class of 1959. He and Bill Pozefsky ’59 roomed together at Theta Xi. After a one-year absence, Bob returned to Amherst to room with Bob Glickman ’60 at Theta Xi, and later became its president. He graduated with the class of 1960. Both Bill and Bob Glickman remained Bob’s close lifetime friends. After graduation Bob married Debbie Doolen Smith ’60, the mother of his two daughters. He obtained a master's degree from the University of Illinois School of Labor and began a long and successful career with Mobil Oil Corporation, from which he retired as a highly placed senior executive.
He lived in Connecticut for many years until moving to Arizona to be close to his family. He remarried Pat Dumbacher who was by his side for these final years. He and Debbie remained close until the end. With Pat he fully enjoyed his retirement as an enthusiastic golfer, wine connoisseur and fine amateur chef. He volunteered, spent time with Pat’s family, traveled extensively and entertained at home. The Bob we all knew was fun to be with, responsible, organized, often light-hearted, sympathetic and charming.
Even throughout his illness, he was upbeat, positive and engaging to the end.
A well attended memorial service was held in December. In April, Pat, Bob’s daughters and Debbie, in fulfillment of Bob’s wishes, joined to scatter his ashes in Sedona, Ariz., for his final resting place.
Bill Pozefsky ’59
Bob Glickman ’60