Robert McElrath Strebeigh ’45

Bob Strebeigh died Nov. 13, 2004, in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Known by his friends as "Robin," he entered Princeton from Kent School and joined Elm Club. His Princeton studies were interrupted for service with the Marine Corps in the Pacific theater. Returning to Princeton, Bob received his degree in political science in 1947.

Given his family history as co-founders of the New York Herald, it was not surprising that he quickly began a newspaper career with the San Francisco Chronicle. Except for a six-year stint as CEO of a plastics manufacturing company, Bob enjoyed a distinguished career with the Chronicle.

In 1952 he married Mary Lee Tilden and they had four children, but they divorced in 1963. Bob then moved aboard the classic yacht La Jota, owned by his twin brother, Woody, and they entertained friends and family on San Francisco Bay for two decades.

Bob and Woody next settled in St. Petersburg, Fla., where Bob entered the real-estate business, followed by a seven-year retirement career with a Florida candy factory.

He is survived by Woody; his children, Katherine, T. Lee, Thomas, and Peter; and one grandson. The class extends sympathy to the family on the loss of this caring father, devoted brother, and loyal friend.

The Class of 1945