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<p><em>Robert Jonathan “Bob” Cresci</em> was born in Brooklyn, NY, one of six sons and two daughters in the large Italian family of Dr. Joseph V. Cresci and Geraldine Plummer Cresci. At St. Francis Prep, Bob was involved with sports, especially water polo and swimming, and the debating society. He continued these activities at West Point, having received an appointment from Representative John J. Rooney (NY-14), who was a neighbor of the Cresci family. </p>
<p>Bob was on the Swimming and Water Polo teams all four years, earning both his numerals and the coveted Army “A” in both, with gold stars for Navy victories. He was both the captain of the Water Polo Team and a member of the undefeated Army Swimming Team in 1966. Under Coach Jack Ryan, the Swimming Team defeated the Navy team in each of Bob’s four years. Bob was a debater of merit (National Debate Tournament his senior year) in SCUSA for four years, and a member of the Russian Language Club all four years at West Point. </p>
<p>With his family home in New York City and with a mother who was used to preparing delicious meals for a large family, Bob became quite the weekend organizer. His classmates would be welcomed for Sunday dinner by his family. Though sometimes squeaking in at the last minute, Bob did not miss check-in back at West Point. He was pleased to graduate (slightly) ahead of his senior-year roommates.</p>
<p>Though a city boy, Bob chose Infantry, proceeded through Ranger training, and spent a year in Colorado Springs, CO before receiving his first of two assignments to Vietnam. He served with the 173rd Airborne<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Brigade</span> and the LRPP arm of the “Americal Division” (23rd Infantry Division). Severely wounded in heavy combat, he was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Next, he was assigned as the company commander of Fort McNair, DC, which houses the National War College. After a year, he again returned to Vietnam, to the headquarters of the 25th Infantry Division at Cu Chi Base Camp near the Iron Triangle, where he ran the general’s mess and hosted visiting dignitaries, including Bob Hope’s tour with singer Connie Stevens. </p>
<p>His drive and sense of adventure captivated Mary Beth McLaughlin, who had arrived from California to attend Columbia University for her Ph.D. in counseling psychology. Bob met her on a double date with his West Point roommate Matt Harrison. Bob and Mary Beth were a couple from the start and were married in Reseda, CA, on May 29, 1971. As Mary Beth was already well on her way to completing her doctorate at Columbia University, Bob entered Colombia University for his MBA in finance, which he completed in 1972. </p>
<p>His attention to detail, learned while at West Point, was put to great use as he joined Hornblower Weeks Hemphill Noyes, a Wall Street investment firm. In 1984 Bob moved to Alliance Capital as a manager of an investment fund. In 1990, Bob and his partner Art Berry established Pecks Management Partners, an investment management firm. Bob helped build and successfully grow Pecks, which he continued to run from Rockefeller Center up to his death. He served as a director on many corporate boards, including J2Global, CIM Commercial Trust, and OFS Capital.</p>
<p>While Bob was working in the financial world, he and Mary Beth built a family in Brooklyn Heights. They raised three wonderful children, who are each successful in their chosen fields. Bob made it a point to attend all of his children’s many school activities, including a championship gymnastics career by his daughter Liz. He also won many singles and doubles tennis tournaments at the local Heights Casino and played water polo for the New York Athletic Club. </p>
<p>As they saw their children off to college, Bob and Mary Beth travelled with classmates and friends. One notable bicycle trip through Morocco provided Bob with many tales of harrowing experiences. Bob’s description of tying off boats in fjord-like harbors in Turkey, where moorings were on your own, was full of laughter, punctuated with stories about wine and good food. Bob’s sense of adventure and his ability to see humor in many dangerous situations were exemplars of his zest for life.</p>
<p>Bob and Mary Beth bought a country house across the Hudson River from West Point in Garrison, NY in 1989. Bob sponsored and mentored many cadets, allowing them and their friends to enjoy weekends in Garrison. They became season ticket holders and supporters of Army Football. Bob also enjoyed the opportunities to participate in alumni-cadet water polo games.</p>
<p>Bob passed away suddenly while exercising in his gym in Garrison. Even at the moment of his passing, he was staying fit and likely thinking of his next opponent at his home tennis court in Garrison. He is survived by his wife, Mary Beth; their three children: Christopher, Elizabeth, and Kyle; Christopher’s wife, Timea, and their children, grandsons Christopher and Connor; and Kyle’s soon-to-be bride, Christina.</p>
<p>Bob’s complete zest for adventure and life, his determination, and his skill in making sound decisions will be his hallmark. His family, classmates, and friends will forever miss his warm kindness, steadfast support, masterful storytelling and his unconditional love and respect.</p>
<p><em>— Michael W. Wynne</em></p>
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