Robert A. Pascal Explained

Term Start:1974
Term End:1982
State Senate1:Maryland
District1:6B
Term Start1:1971
Term End1:1974
Predecessor1:John W. Steffey (R)[1]
Successor1:Nancy Pascal (R)
Birth Date:20 July 1934
Birth Place:Glen Ridge, New Jersey, U.S.
Spouse:Married
Children:Four daughters
Alma Mater:Duke University, B.A.(economics), 1957
Module:
Embed:yes
Import:no
Height Ft:5
Height In:11
Weight Lbs:183
Position1:Halfback
Career Highlights:
Playing Years1:1956
Playing Team1:Montreal Alouettes

Robert A. Pascal (July 20, 1934 – March 12, 2021)[2] 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.[3]

Early life

Pascal was born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. 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

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. 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, Catherine Anne, Margaret, Clara, and Robin.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Maryland Senate, Legislative District 6, 6A, 6B, 6C . msa.maryland.gov . Maryland State Archives . March 15, 2021 . September 30, 1999.
  2. News: Condon . Christine . Former Anne Arundel County executive, well-known philanthropist Robert Pascal dies . March 14, 2021 . . March 14, 2021.
  3. Web site: Robert A. Pascal, County Executive, Anne Arundel County, Maryland . Maryland Manual On-Line . . March 14, 2021 . October 18, 2018.
  4. News: Pascal: businessman turned politician . . 12 . . November 1, 1974 . August 16, 2020 . 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. Web site: Bob A. Pascal . Duke University Blue Devils Official Athletics Site . Duke Athletics . en . January 16, 2019 . December 14, 2005.
  6. Web site: Duke Football Program Receives $10 Million Commitment . Duke University Blue Devils Official Athletics Site . Duke Athletics . en . January 16, 2019 . April 17, 2009.
  7. Web site: Bob Pascal Stats . Pro Football Archives . March 19, 2021.
  8. Web site: 2009 ACC Football Legends: Bob Pascal, Duke . November 10, 2009 . Atlantic Coast Conference Official Athletics Site . Atlantic Coast Conference . https://web.archive.org/web/20121008044602/http://www.theacc.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111009aaa.html?DB_OEM_ID=4200 . October 8, 2012 . January 16, 2019.
  9. News: RESIDENTS HOPING TO SEE KINDER PARK PUT TO USE . Lee . Robert . . en-US . January 16, 2019 . October 24, 1991.
  10. News: Yeager . Amanda . St. Mary's field named for Pascal . January 16, 2019 . . September 25, 2016.
  11. Web site: Duke Announces Naming of Pascal Field House . Duke University Blue Devils Official Athletics Site . Duke Athletics . en . January 16, 2019 . August 5, 2011.
  12. Web site: Duke Holds Pascal Field House Dedication Ceremony . Duke University Blue Devils Official Athletics Site . Duke Athletics . en . January 16, 2019 . September 2, 2011.