Robert A. Pascal (1934–2021)

Politician who served as county executive of Anne Arundel County, Maryland from 1975 to 1982.[54]

What is Robert A. Pascal (1934–2021) known for?

Robert A. Pascal (1934–2021) was an American politician, collegiate and professional football player, and successful businessman who is a notable alumnus of Bloomfield High School in Bloomfield, New Jersey. He was born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey and served as the Anne Arundel County Executive in Maryland from 1975 to 1982.

In his early life, Pascal stood out as a football player at Duke University where he was named the team's Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1955 and led the Duke Blue Devils in rushing for two seasons. After graduating, he was drafted by the Baltimore Colts but decided to play for the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League instead.

Beyond his sports career, Pascal was notable for his entrepreneurial success. After returning from his stint in Canadian football, he entered the propane business and built his own company, United Propane, into one of the top 25 in the country. He sold the company to Inergy, L.P. in 2003.

Pascal's political career was equally impressive. He served as a State Senator from 1971 to 1974, and as the Anne Arundel County Executive from 1974 to 1982. His tenure marked significant initiatives including the creation of the Kinder Farm Park. Although he lost the Governor of Maryland race in 1982, he continued to serve as the Secretary of Appointments to Governor William Donald Schaefer from 1989 to 1995.

Pascal's legacy continues to thrive through places and institutions named in his honor, including Duke University's Pascal Field House, Pascal Senior Center in Glen Burnie, Maryland, Pascal Center for the Performing Arts at Anne Arundel Community College, and Robert A. Pascal Youth & Family Services, Inc. in Odenton, Maryland. His philanthropy is also notable, with significant contributions to Duke University for the construction of an indoor practice facility.