Robert E. DePalma

Robert Eugene De Palma, a lifelong resident of Minnesota and a longtime resident of Red Wing, passed on January 29, 2008.

Bob was born to Angelo and Molly De Palma in St. Paul, MN on June 1, 1925. He assisted in the raising of his three siblings, Eugene, Irene and John during the depression-era where money was tight and a seven-day-a-week paper route provided much needed income for the family. He was a graduate of St. Paul Johnson High school and went on to study business at the University of Minnesota. A veteran of World War II, Bob served in the navy in the South Pacific from 1943-45. A broken leg suffered while playing baseball kept Bob out of the Korean War-a lucky break indeed.

Bob met his beautiful and loving wife, Barbara, while the two were employed at Casualty Underwriters Insurance in St. Paul; an insurance company started by he and partner Russell Wilson. The company provided an opportunity for Bob to travel to every small town in the state and to form close and lasting relationships with all bankers he came in contact with. His promises of 'drawers full of money,' charisma and devilish good looks lured the pretty Barb Kaufenberg into marriage on February 23, 1957. The couple began their married life in St. Paul where Bob was founder of Apogee and board member; an investment company established for the purpose of acquiring small businesses. Soon after, the handsome couple started a family and moved to Red Wing. It was clay that led the young De Palma to Red Wing where the reins of Red Wing Sewer Pipe Corporation were firmly in his grip and at the same time served on the board of Iowa Clay Pipe. In the late 60's and 70's, Bob was President of Bellanca Aircraft in Alexandria, MN and Champion Aircraft in Osceola, WI. During this time, Bob and family moved from Red Wing to Stillwater to Alexandria and then back to Red Wing. His daily commute during this time was a plane ride in his Bellanca Super Viking to Osceola, then to Alexandria and back to Red Wing. If he could see across the river from his West Fourth Street home in the morning, Bob was quickly en-route to the Red Wing airport and then into the sky and back again in time for dinner. Sensing a consolidation of the general aviation industry, Bob and colleagues took on the plush toy market and acquired Princess Soft Toys in Cannon Falls, MN. Shortly thereafter, Bob accepted an executive role with industry leader Control Data. The last 10 years of his working career were joyfully spent at Red Wing Shoe Company where Bob spearheaded the renovation of the regions Riverfront Centre and further went on to handle duties within the company's international division and also tacked special projects for 'The Shoe.' He was a devout spokesman for the company and actively was engaged in 'Shoebilee' and Dragon Boat Races. Locally, Bob served on the boards of the Red Wing Airport and TB Sheldon Auditorium and was a member of the Kiwanis Club and St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

A loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, the greatest joy in Bob's life was his wife and contact with people. A firm handshake, dimpled smile and a cigar clenched tightly between his teeth were present to anyone who came in contact with Bob. The common-thread throughout Bob's life and business dealings was this love of people. Bob and Barb (Bullit and Babbs as they are referred to by those closest to them) celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past February. The couple's greatest dream came true last January with the birth of their first grandchild, Samuel.

Bob is survived by his best friend and wife Barb, his three children, Nicole (Al Pearson), John and Carla (Jon Dubois), grandson Sammy, sister Irene Willard from Cottage Grove and brothers Gene (Brenda) and John (Barbara) De Palma of Minneapolis and his many family members in Minnesota and his numerous friends in the state and beyond and within the city of Red Wing.