By Ron Hayes
MANALAPAN — Robert P. Strauss loved his family, opera, ballet, museums — and the town he called home for 27 years.
“My father truly loved being in Manalapan,” his daughter, Kimberly Strauss, recalled recently. “He and my mother took a lot of pride in being here, knew all about the town, knew their neighbors. He took a lot of personal pride in helping out any way he could.”
Mr. Strauss died peacefully on March 20, surrounded by his family. He was 82, and lived in Mia Encantada, the oceanside estate he purchased in 1987 after he and his wife, Eugenia, retired to the area.
When Mrs. Strauss died in 2010, the couple had been married 52 years.
“They lived happily ever after here,” his daughter said.
Mr. Strauss could have lived anywhere.
His father, Maurice “Moe” Strauss, was an original founder of the successful Pep Boys chain of auto supply stores. Mr. Strauss served as a regional vice president for the company in Dallas, then returned to Philadelphia, his birthplace, to serve as a company executive for 30 years.
In the mid-1980s, he sold his company stock, used the income to enter capital investment management and amassed an even greater fortune.
“They had very nice things, but they didn’t flaunt it,” his daughter said. “They weren’t loud and felt no need to show everyone what they had. I think he saw Manalapan as a quieter version of high-profile society.”
In retirement, Mr. Strauss indulged his love of culture and philanthropy.
Locally, he was a supporter of Palm Beach Opera, the Red Cross Ball and the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. He was also a donor to Miami City Ballet and the Fuqua School of Business at his alma mater, Duke University, which he attended on a basketball scholarship.
“He was a refined, true gentleman, and the best father ever,” his daughter said. “The best father ever. I said that to him right before he entered hospice.”
In addition to Kimberly Strauss, he is survived by another daughter, Wendy L. Strauss of Winnetka, Ill.; a son, Baron K. Strauss of Calabasas, Calif.; and grandchildren George, Ryan and Brody Dowd.
A funeral service was held March 23 at Rubin Memorial Chapel in Boynton Beach.
The family suggests that donations in Mr. Strauss’ memory be made to Palm Beach Opera, 415 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33401.
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