Robert C. Brandegee
BRANDEGEE: Robert C. Brandegee, on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022. Beloved husband of Ada S. Brandegee; loving father of Bear (Nir Kossovsky) Brandegee and Robert J. Brandegee, and daughter-in-law Ava D. DeMarco; brother of Sarah B. (Douglas S.) Brodie; and grandfather of Natasha A. Kossovsky, Katelin A. Brandegee and Sierra N. Brandegee.
Rob grew up in Chatham New Jersey, and graduated in 1954 from Williams College with a Bachelor of Arts degree. While working as an ad man at a Westinghouse manufacturing magazine he met his future wife, Ada S. Joseph. They were married in 1963 and have spent nearly every day of lives together.
That same year, Rob joined his wife’s Pittsburgh-based technical writing and consulting firm. Together they transformed Editorial Consulting Services, based on Ada’s technical writing and rain-making prowess, into Brandegee Inc. This new communications consultancy combined their skills and put Rob’s creative genius into motion. Together they built a team known for projects such as the first White House Conference on Children in 1970, to technical projects for U.S. Steel, Westinghouse, Alcoa, Chatham College and numerous communications programs for government agencies. Rob and Ada were a formidable entrepreneurial team that successfully navigated the company through growth and challenges for almost four decades.
When they sold the business in 2000, Rob launched a second career as an artist and furniture designer, crafting whimsical but functional “Logjam” furniture and sculptures made from logs from early American cabins. Throughout this time, Rob and Ada were also passionate and accomplished antique and folk art collectors. Rob had a fascinating story about every amazing piece of art or furniture that crowded their description-defying condo on Pittsburgh’s South Side.
Rob was always ready to weigh in on the latest news, espouse his political views through his weekly prose, or show you a new design he had sketched for a coffee table. During their full and accomplished life together, Rob and Ada made countless lifelong friends. Their home hosted a constant stream of visitors, whether from across the country or just down the hall. Rob’s contagious smile and friendly disposition is already sorely missed.
A small family-attended graveside service and interment on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, at West View Cemetery of Rodef Shalom Congregation. Contributions to Rob’s favorite charity are welcome at tinyurl.com/rcbactblue. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family owned and operated. schugar.com. PJC
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