Robert “Bob” Allen Hastings left this life on December 19, 2021, surrounded by his family.

Born March 9, 1935 in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Bob received his BS in Engineering from Harvard College in 1957 and an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1959.

Bob has dedicated his life to serving others as a business leader, community leader, and parent and grandparent. He has held several executive positions in finance and management at Commonwealth Edison Company, Inolex and FMC. He went on to pursue a second career as an education leader, most notably as executive director of the Harvard Alumni Association and as head of finance and operations for several private schools.

Bob was passionate about his faith, fostering open dialogue between faiths and serving others in need through his commitment to the Winnetka Congregational Church, the New Trier Interfaith Council, and his work as Kenilworth Village Trustee. He has extended his impact far beyond the North Shore through his volunteer efforts with the Harvard Club of Chicago, most notably as president and athletic coach of several teams at Walter Payton College Preparatory High School.

Bob’s greatest joy has always been found with his family as a parent and grandparent. He instilled in his children and grandchildren an insatiable love for learning and an incredible passion and drive to achieve excellence in any field they chose. He was a patient tutor in any subject, and a super fan at any game or concert.

Bob’s quest for excellence began early. He was the son of two educators, both gifted athletes, and followed in their footsteps, excelling in several sports – baseball, basketball and football – and also earned his Eagle Scout. He was recognized as a decorated athlete and community leader in the state of Minnesota, winning the high school athlete of the year award in 1953. His excellence on the field was reflected in his academics. He graduated as a class valedictorian from Austin High School and earned a full scholarship to Harvard College, where he went on to play baseball, basketball, and football. On the baseball field, he was known as “Haster”, admired for his extraordinary speed. In his final year, he became Harvard’s first baseball All-American and was drafted into the major leagues, but instead chose to pursue his MBA. In 1981, he was inducted into the Varsity Club Hall of Fame at Harvard University.

Robert is survived by his second wife, Juliet Van Pelt Roth. He is also survived by his siblings, John H. Hastings and Mary Sue Bohle, two children, William H. Hastings and Mary Margaret “Margo” Georgiadis, six grandchildren and seven nieces and nephews. His first wife, Margaret “Pat” Hastings, died in 2017.

Interment is private in the cemetery of the Winnetka congregation. Robert’s life-celebration memorial service will be announced at a later date. Briefs can be made at Winnetka

Congregational Church, 825 Pine Street, Winnetka IL 60093.

Info: donnellanfuneral.com or (847) 675-190