He was an Eagle Scout and valedictorian at New Rochelle High School. He served briefly in the Navy during World War II. At Princeton he majored in chemical engineering, sailed with the Yacht Club, managed the swim team, and was a member of Key and Seal. He was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.
In 1951 he earned an MBA at the Wharton School and worked in the financial industry for many years, including as a partner at Newburger, Loeb and Co., before changing careers to share his passion for fine wine. He was proprietor of Bedford Hills (N.Y.) Wine and Liquor Store for more than a decade and a wine wholesaler before his retirement. He loved sailing and skiing, sang with the Master Singers of Westchester for many years, and enjoyed playing bridge from his Princeton days onward.
He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Ellen Donoghue Stern; his four children, Robert Jr., Jennifer ’83, Carolyn, and Timothy; eight grandchildren, including Leila Grant ’23; his first wife, Ellen Deitsch Stern; and brothers Walter and Richard ’58.