Robert Dressler

Dr. Robert Dressler was born May 5, 1925, earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Electrical Engineering at Columbia University in New York City, and received his honorary Doctor of Science, SCD, from USF.

After serving in the Navy in World War II, Dr. Dressler was involved in electronic research in television, color television, military electronics, and satellite reconnaissance for the intelligence community and the Department of Defense.

As president of the Autometric Corporation, he became director of advanced systems for the Raytheon Company, after they purchased Autometric, where he worked on highly classified defense and intelligence programs.

In 1973, he became president/CEO of Crown Industries, a Florida building materials manufacturer, as president and CEO, where he fully automated their manufacturing process. After reaching sales above $100 million, the firm was purchased by Florida Progress in 1985.

After serving on the board of directors of Raymond James Financial from 1983 to 1987, Dr. Dressler then joined Raymond James and Associates in 1987, where he retired as director in the Corporate Finance Department. Dr. Dressler has been a member of the USF Board of Trustees since 1982. He was valued at USF for his talent of bridging the distance between research and commercial opportunities.

Dr. Dressler is survived by his widow Edith Dressler, daughters Dr. Sheri Dressler, Carrie Stern and Lori Hill (husband Jimmy); grandsons Richard Stern and Kiall Hill; nephews Dr. Alan Dressler, Dr. David Dressler, Paul and Francois Dressler, Ira and Rona Dressler, Joseph and Shannon Dressler.

Funeral services will be held at Congregation Rodeph Shalom, 2713 Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa on Friday, November 21st at 10 am. The family will observe Shiva at Rodeph Shalom on Saturday, November 22nd, Sunday, November 23rd and Monday, November 24th at 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of South Florida in memory of Robert Dressler, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, ALC100, Tampa, FL 33620, or to Congregation Rodeph Shalom in memory of Robert Dressler.