Robert A. Pascal
Anne Arundel County Executive
In office
1974–1982
Preceded byJoseph W. Alton
Succeeded byO. James Lighthizer
Member of the Maryland Senate
from the 6B district
In office
1971–1974
Preceded byJohn W. Steffey (R)[1]
Succeeded byNancy Pascal (R)[1]
Personal details
Born(1934-07-20)July 20, 1934
Glen Ridge, New Jersey
DiedMarch 12, 2021(2021-03-12) (aged 86)
Political partyRepublican
SpouseMarried
ChildrenFour daughters
Alma materDuke University, B.A.(economics), 1957
Football career
Career information
CFL statusNational
Position(s)HB
Height5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight183 lb (83 kg)
Career history
As player
1956Montreal Alouettes
Career highlights and awards

Robert A. Pascal (July 20, 1934 – March 12, 2021)[2][3] was an American Republican politician, collegiate football player, professional Canadian football player and a propane entrepreneur who served as County Executive of Anne Arundel County, Maryland from 1975 to 1982.[2]

Early life

Pascal was born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey.[2] He was raised in Bloomfield, New Jersey, where his father worked in the local school district, and he attended Bloomfield High School.[4] He played football at Duke University. During this time, Pascal earned first team All-American as a halfback in 1955. He led the Duke Blue Devils in rushing for two seasons, and was named team MVP in 1955. He was also a two time first team All-ACC selection.[5] After graduating from Duke in 1956, Pascal was drafted in the third round by the Baltimore Colts.[6] Pascal instead decided to play in the Canadian Football League for the Montreal Alouettes.[7] During his one season in the league, he played for the Grey Cup.[8]

Career

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After playing in the Canadian Football League, Pascal then moved back to the United States and entered the propane business. He eventually bought his own company, United Propane, and built it into one of the top 25 in the country.[8] Pascal sold the company to Inergy, L.P. in 2003. Pascal also entered politics.

Pascal was a State Senator from 1971 to 1974. From 1974 to 1982 he served as the Anne Arundel County Executive and was key to the creation of Kinder Farm Park, which he had the county buy from the Kinder family.[9]

Pascal was the Republican nominee for Governor of Maryland in 1982, losing to incumbent Harry R. Hughes. Pascal served as the Secretary of Appointments to Governor William Donald Schaefer from 1989 to 1995.

Legacy

The following have been named after Bob Pascal:[10]

Philanthropy

Pascal donated $6 million to Duke University to help fund the construction of an indoor practice facility for the Duke football team. The facility was later named the Pascal Field House in his honor.[11][12]

Personal life

Pascal had four daughters,[2] Catherine Anne, Margaret, Clara, and Robin.[citation needed]

References

  1. ^ a b "Maryland Senate, Legislative District 6, 6A, 6B, 6C". msa.maryland.gov. Maryland State Archives. September 30, 1999. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d "Robert A. Pascal, County Executive, Anne Arundel County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. October 18, 2018. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  3. ^ Condon, Christine (March 14, 2021). "Former Anne Arundel County executive, well-known philanthropist Robert Pascal dies". The Capital. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  4. ^ "Pascal: businessman turned politician". The Capital. November 1, 1974. p. 12. Retrieved August 16, 2020 – via Newspapers.com. Pascal was born in Glen Ridge, N.J., and raised in Bloomfield, where his father was a teacher, coach and administrator in the local school system.
  5. ^ "Bob A. Pascal". Duke University Blue Devils | Official Athletics Site. Duke Athletics. December 14, 2005. Retrieved January 16, 2019.
  6. ^ "Duke Football Program Receives $10 Million Commitment". Duke University Blue Devils | Official Athletics Site. Duke Athletics. April 17, 2009. Retrieved January 16, 2019.
  7. ^ "Bob Pascal Stats". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved March 19, 2021.
  8. ^ a b "2009 ACC Football Legends: Bob Pascal, Duke". Atlantic Coast Conference | Official Athletics Site. Atlantic Coast Conference. November 10, 2009. Archived from the original on October 8, 2012. Retrieved January 16, 2019.
  9. ^ Lee, Robert (October 24, 1991). "RESIDENTS HOPING TO SEE KINDER PARK PUT TO USE". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved January 16, 2019.
  10. ^ Yeager, Amanda (September 25, 2016). "St. Mary's field named for Pascal". The Capital. Retrieved January 16, 2019.
  11. ^ "Duke Announces Naming of Pascal Field House". Duke University Blue Devils | Official Athletics Site. Duke Athletics. August 5, 2011. Retrieved January 16, 2019.
  12. ^ "Duke Holds Pascal Field House Dedication Ceremony". Duke University Blue Devils | Official Athletics Site. Duke Athletics. September 2, 2011. Retrieved January 16, 2019.
Political offices Preceded byJoseph W. Alton Anne Arundel County Executive 1974–1982 Succeeded byO. James Lighthizer Party political offices Preceded byJ. Glenn Beall Jr. Republican nominee for Governor of Maryland 1982 Succeeded byThomas J. Mooney
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