Robert M. De Baun ’90

Rob came to Princeton from Groton School, majored in history, and was a member of Charter Club. After graduating from Harvard Business School, Rob became a successful Internet entrepreneur, focusing on women’s media and social-community sites.

In 1995 he co-founded with his sister, Katharine ’86, Moms Online, which grew into AOL’s No. 1 parenting community site. Rob sold Moms Online to Oxygen Media, where he worked as vice president of e-commerce. Subsequently he was director of product development at Weightwatchers.com and Community Connect. At the time of his death, Rob was working on a new startup, Fitsmi.com, a health and wellness site for teen girls.

Rob was a devoted husband and father. He loved his Bon Matin bike club and always had a keen curiosity for life. Rob ultimately returned to Princeton, which he considered his home, to raise his family. He chose to have his ashes scattered at Princeton Battlefield State Park.  

Possessed of an intelligent, creative mind, he was great company and a loyal friend. His humor, humility, generosity, and gentle nature will be sorely missed yet remembered with enormous fondness. Rob is survived by Juliette, his wife of 17 years; his daughters, Sophia and Ellee; his sister; and his nephew and adopted son, Christian.