In Memory of Robert McCormick, President of McCormick Insulation and Supply

It is with great sadness and a deep sense of loss that we announce the passing of our dear friend, associate and past ESICA President Robert McCormick.

‘Bob’ or ‘Bobbie’ as he was affectionately known, was an integral part of the insulation industry for over 50 years. He began working in the insulation business as a teenager during vacations and summer breaks.

In 1963, while still enrolled in college and following the death of his grandfather Irving McCormick, Bob started working full time in the family business with his father Norvin McCormick. He graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1965 with a degree from the College of Business and Public Administration.

McCormick Insulation was originally located on Woodland Avenue in Baltimore, MD. In 1988, Bob oversaw the building of the new headquarters for the company in Owings Mills, MD, where the business is still operating today. What began as one branch, expanded to 12 branches spanning the east coast from Maryland to Georgia.

Over his 57 years in the business, Bob worked in every position possible and led the company as President until his passing in April. Bob served as President of ESICA and was a member of the National Insulation Association, where he held the position of chairman of the Insurance Committee. Those close to Bob reflect on his love and dedication to family and friends:

Megan Thompson, Bob’s daughter, speaks about her dad: “My dad took great pride in working with his children day in and day out over the years. None of his children, thought they would go into the family business but over the years, Aimee, Brett, Brenna and myself all began careers in different areas of the company.

“Dad also worked with some of his best friends, including lifelong buddies Jack and Patti Schunk and of course his wife of 51 years, Jane, who came to work after their youngest daughter was born in the 80s.

“I think my dad was best known for holding court by the pool at ESICA and NIA conventions with friends and colleagues, sharing a meal and just talking business. He made some of his greatest friends through the industry, including Bob Tise and Bob Elsey. He was very passionate and often spoke his mind.

“Outside of the business he was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time at the beach with his family, working with wood and having good meals with family and friends. For years he coached his daughters in soccer, sponsoring the team the MISFITS and rooting for USA Women’s soccer team. He adored any time he got to spend with his 11 grandkids, including going to water polo games and the occasional swim meet, teaching them how to work with tools and making them laugh. He also liked traveling with his wife and going on River Boat cruises with a small group of friends or spending long weekends in St Michaels, MD with the Tises.

“My dad taught me valuable lessons in business. He instilled in me the importance of customer service before I even started my first job. I have carried that with me through my other careers and I make it a priority here at McCormick too. He taught me the importance of hard work and not being complacent. I strive now to make him proud in everything I do.” Bob Tise remembers his friend and associate:

“As all of us who knew Bob would agree, he was one of a kind! I first met Bob at an ESICA conference in Annapolis, MD, some 34 years ago. I remember that day like it was yesterday. I was very nervous meeting a man I heard so much about -- an Industry legend -- and a man, who I was told, didn't like many people. I expected I would meet Bob and I would be on that list of his.

“To my surprise we hit it off and over the years I became such good, close friends not only with Bob but with the entire McCormick Family. They are all very special to me and I am so happy our paths crossed.

“People who didn't know Bob that well surely missed out on a true treasure. Outside, he came across as a difficult person, but that was not Bob to those of us who knew him well! Inside he had a heart of gold, was very intelligent, an Industry Leader, and an avid reader. Bob would always tell you the way it was and never sugarcoated anything. To me that was his charm.

“Bob taught me so much about our industry, life, and family. He was an Icon to me and I will never forget all the good times we had with he and his wife Jane over the years. There is a big void in my life with the passing of Bob. I always think of him and I m so sorry that because of the Covid-19 we could not say goodbye to a very special person and close friend.

“How I miss our Pool Committee Meetings we had at every ESICA and NIA Meeting! To this day I believe our Meetings are still talked about and a memory that I will always have!”

Jack Schunk remembers his lifelong friend & business partner

What do I say or where do I begin? I could write volumes about our escapades over the 72 years of friendship. I met Robbie when we were 5 years old, believe it or not, in Sunday School. We did a stint in the Cub Scouts, went to high school together, then to The University of Maryland where we were roommates and shared an off-campus apartment.

Robbie’s grandfather would take him to the office on Saturday to check the mail. Following their visits to the office, Robbie would have on a new pair of shoes. That is because he would purposely put on an old tattered pair of shoes with gaping holes for his weekly office visit and his grandfather would say, “Boy, don’t you have anything better to wear?” Then it was off to the store they would go to purchase a new pair of shoes.

I worked at the family business temporarily waiting to get my orders from the Army in 1964. After I returned from basic training, Robbie asked me if I would work with him full time, a partnership that would last 51 years. During those years there were trials and tribulations which ended in triumphs.

In 1965 Robbie stood as my best man when I married Patti, who also worked for the company for 45 years. Robbie met Patti’s best friend from childhood at our wedding and four years later Robbie and Janie were married, when I was his best man and Patti was Janie’s matron of honor. Shortly thereafter we started McCormick Insulation Supply. I know that Robbie’s children, who were taught by the very best, will succeed in all of their future endeavors.

I am extremely proud to have been Robbie’s friend and business associate. Many fond memories were made over the years and I will miss him.

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Bob McCormick will be missed by all who knew him. We will remember Bob for his generosity, dedication and hard work on behalf of all of us at ESICA.

Article Featured in ESICA Review 2020, Volume 2. (page 14)