Robert Holbrook Whitby

Robert Holbrook Whitby, 81, of Greenwich, Connecticut, died peacefully on Sunday, June 26, 2022, with his beloved wife of 58 years, Kathleen, at his side. Robert was born on November 24, 1940, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Arva Holbrook Whitby and John Elvin Whitby. He grew up the eldest of five siblings, brothers Paul, Von, John and sister Marianne, all of whom survive him.

Robert graduated from Yale and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School (Baker Scholar) in 1966. He enjoyed a diverse business career spanning 40 years, primarily in investment banking and management consulting, working in senior executive positions at Booz Allen Hamilton, Thyssen-Bornemisza, Citicorp, Ernst & Young and Arthur Anderson. He served as a decades-long advisor to and director of Coal Fillers, Inc.

Robert had a passion for mountain climbing, born from his days as an Eagle Boy Scout in the Rockies. At 51, Robert set out to climb the highest peak on each continent, a feat known as “The 7 Summits.” While he successfully climbed 6, he was evacuated off Everest after reaching Camp 2, a story he told often. Robert was also an avid sailor that included leading multiple international cruises and adventures and an epic transatlantic crossing.

Robert was generous with his energy and mental acuity. He was particularly proud of his 15 years of service on the board of Harvard Business School Club of Connecticut where he used his management consulting expertise to lead several HBS Community Partners program projects each year for non-profit organizations such as the Bruce Museum, where he also served on its Development Committee, SoundWaters, Abilis and Avon Theatre. He was past regatta chair, nominating committee co-chair and board member at the Indian Harbor Yacht Club in Greenwich; past board member of The Explorers Club of New York; past board member of the Yale Alumni Association of Greenwich; and board member of Stamford Symphony and Helen Armstrong Concerts.

Robert is survived by his beautiful, devoted wife, Kathleen Louise Smith Whitby, his two daughters, Michelle Whitby Vanparys and Annabelle Whitby Zastrow and their spouses, Thierry Vanparys and Shannon Zastrow; two grandsons, Tyler Zastrow and Reed Zastrow; four siblings, brothers Paul Whitby, Von Whitby and John Whitby, and sister Marianne Whitby, whose kidney gave him new life and vigor; 17 nieces and nephews; and his beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bogart.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leopgallaghergreenwich.com for the Whitby family.