Robert H. Morosky

ROBERT H. MOROSKY, retired retail executive and active Catholic fund raiser passed away on August 14, 2024 at age 83 years old.  He was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, graduated from East High School and attended Penn State on a football scholarship. He transferred to Gannon University and graduated in 1963. He went on to receive his MBA with honors from the University of Cincinnati in 1964 and did PhD work at Case Western Reserve.  He started his career with Arthur Andersen & Co. as a retail consultant and CPA from 1964 to 1972.  He joined his client, The Limited, Inc., now known as L Brands, when it had 12 stores and was the Vice Chairman and “chief architect” for its success with his retail, operating and financial skills.  He centralized the Limited’s distribution and computerized operation and implemented fast tracking merchandise delivery processes opening up Rickenbacker Air Force Base to receive air freight from around the world. This had a major impact on the development of local businesses.  Tom Peters wrote about it in his book IN SEARCH OF EXCELLENCE.  Morosky retired in 1987 from The Limited when there were more than 5,000 stores under different brand names.  He was then asked to be the CEO of Allied Dept. Stores and lead the acquisition of Federated Department Stores, the owner of Macy’s and other large retail brands. He successfully merged the two businesses and began a program of consolidation and centralization of the buying, marketing, administration and eliminating local department store names.  Afterward, he became an investment partner with private equity firm Forstmann-Little of New York City and served as a board director for Moen Plumbing, Lear-Siegler, Gulfstream Jets and was Chairman of Safelite AutoGlass when he relocated it to Columbus, Ohio.

In 1992, he retired and operated Morosky Private Investments.  He was an artist of religious works (see www.rmorosky.com) and enjoyed enhancing churches like St Joseph’s Cathedral with artwork.

In his pastime, he taught all of his children and grandchildren to fish and pistol shoot.  Over the years he and his beloved wife and companion Dianne fished all over the world. He owned several yachts and many fishing boats; all named “Mayacca” which translates to “great hopes and expectations”. Although he was a hobbyist golfer, he won many golf tournaments and had four holes in one.

In the 1980’s Bob was appointed a member of the board of trustees for the Ohio Division of Wildlife. He provided much insight to fishing in Ohio.

Morosky was a Catholic convert who fell in love with the Church and became very active starting the Columbus Ohio Catholic Foundation as the founding chairman and he also started the Miami Florida Catholic Foundation.  He led fundraising drives in both dioceses.  He was very knowledgeable about Church finances — especially foundations, when he and wife, Dianne, formed The National Society of Catholic Foundations which provided national seminars, research and private counseling for more than 75 dioceses throughout the country.  He was also on the Board of the National Catholic Stewardship Council and the Pontifical College Josephinum. As a result of his work, Pope John Paul II gave Morosky and his wife a private audience in Rome encouraging his work.  Over time, he was awarded all of the Catholic Church honors, a rare achievement, including Knight of St. Sylvester, Knight of St. Gregory the Great, Knight of Malta, Knight of St. George and Knight Grand Cross of the Holy Sepulcher.  He was also awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontiface Honor from the Pope. He often stated that “the best decision I ever made was to become a Catholic.”

In 2000, he was awarded the “Philanthropist of the Year” in Central Ohio.  Mr. Morosky also served on the Board of Gannon University for many years where they named The Robert H. Morosky Academic Center in his honor and also the Morosky College of Health Professions. He also set up a scholarship fund for all Erie high school graduates attending Gannon. For all his work at Gannon he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Dianne Morosky, where they resided in Columbus, Ohio and Key Largo, Florida.  He leaves behind a son, Michael and his wife Carlye and grandchildren, Harrison, Madeleine and Mary Morosky.  Also, daughter, Elaina Concheck and two granddaughters, Kara Concheck-Vincent and Leah Concheck; also daughter, Rebecca Hoffman, son-in-law Steve Cella and granddaughter Lillian Hoffman.  He is also survived by his sister Carol and Joe Peganoff and brother David and Debbie Morosky with many loving nephews and relatives.

Calling hours will be on Monday August 19th, 2024 from 4PM to 7PM at the Egan Ryan funeral home, 403 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. Parking is in the rear of the building.

A Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Cathedral on Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 at 10:30AM.  The Cathedral is located at 212 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. Immediately after the Mass the family will host a lunch at the Columbus Club, 181 East Broad Street, Columbus Ohio 43215. A private internment will then be held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery on South High Street. In lieu of flowers friends who wish may contribute in his memory to Catholic Social Services 197 E. Gay St. Columbus, OH 43215.

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