Former Edward Don CEO Bob Don Remembered as Industry Leader

Robert “Bob” Don, a former CEO and chairman of Edward Don & Co., passed away on Monday, Oct. 20, at the age of 89. As the second-generation leader of one of the country’s largest foodservice equipment and supplies distributors and a past president of FEDA, Don was an influential figure within the industry who is remembered for laying the foundation for Edward Don & Co.’s success and for his work on behalf of dealers everywhere.

Having grown up on the South Side of Chicago, Don graduated from Hyde Park High School at the age of 16 and went on to attend the University of Colorado Boulder. After a post-college stint as a skier in Aspen, Colorado, he received his call to duty and reported to Louisville, Kentucky, as a junior officer in the U.S. Army. In 1962, he earned a law degree from the University of Chicago and had a brief legal career before joining the family business.

“My father and mentor entrusted me with the responsibility of running the family business as the third generation of the Don family,” said Steve Don, president and CEO of Edward Don & Co. “I am deeply saddened by his passing and profoundly grateful for his extraordinary guidance, vision and example. He was not only an icon in our industry but also a remarkable leader and person. His legacy will continue to guide how we lead, serve and care for our people and our customers every day.”

Beyond his contributions to the foodservice equipment and supplies industry, Don is remembered for having a big smile, a big personality and a big wit. A passionate sailor, he won many races aboard his beloved J/120 sailboat, named Don Quixote. He had a love of adventure and taught many in his family to sail, snow ski, water ski, and scuba dive.

“While Bob will be profoundly missed, we take comfort in celebrating his extraordinary life and legacy — one defined by passion, leadership and love for the foodservice industry,” Edward Don & Co. said in a statement. “His contributions will continue to guide and inspire the company, people and the industry he so deeply loved.”