Robert D. Fanger
Robert Dworet Fanger passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025. He was born on April 15, 1933 and grew up with his parents, Philip and Esther Fanger and his sister Ruth Fanger Backman in Brookline Massachusetts.
Bob graduated from Dartmouth College in 1955 and received an MBA from Columbia University in 1957. Shortly after, he joined the Stop and Shop grocery store management training program and became the company supplies buyer. Later, he founded the Robert D. Fanger Company, food brokers, and then co-founded Firestone Financial Corporation where he served as president, CEO, and member of the board of directors. He was also a founding partner and consultant at Sullivan, Fanger and O’Brien, and a founder, officer and board member of Medallion Funding Corp. in New York City. After retiring, he remained active in the finance world as an adviser to Eastern Funding LLC, NY, New York.
More important than his career was his dedication to family, friends, Dartmouth College and philanthropy. Bob was a lifelong member of the Dartmouth community, chairing the class of 1955 25th and 50th class reunions, and acting as class president and Alumni Council representative. He also devoted time and energy to charitable and civic causes. He served on the food team for Combined Jewish Philanthropies, and as trustee of University Hospital, Boston Children’s Services, and the Home for Little Wanderers. Bob’s greatest strength was his gift for friendship. He built a network of friends that extended around the world. He was the undisputed king of “small world stories” running into old friends on ski lifts, in airports, and on the Great Wall of China.
He leaves behind his loving wife Iris Fanger of 68 years, his children Michael Fanger, Linda Sattel and Laurie Fanger Reed; grandchildren Rachel Fanger, Jon Fanger, Ember Reed and Nat Reed; and nieces and nephews Paula MacDonald, and Jill, Charles, Bruce, and Garett Backman.
A funeral service and reception will be held at noon on Sunday May 25, 2025, at Temple Israel 477 Longwood Ave Boston 02215. Parking on the Riverway.
Visiting hours at home: Monday May 26 2-5 pm and 7-9 pm and Tuesday May 27 2-5 pm.
Memorial donations may be made to Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Boston MA, Dartmouth College, or the Woodwell Climate Research Center in Wood’s Hole MA.