Robert J. McWhorter

Robert J. “Bob” McWhorter, age 91 of Akron, peacefully passed away on March 29, 2024. Born in Homestead, PA on June 6th, 1932 to the late Robert and Edith McWhorter. Bob graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology under a U.S. Navy ROTC (USNRTOC) scholarship.

An avid learner and disciplined student, he was active in many fraternity and school activities, serving as treasurer of Gamma Beta chapter of Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity, and also Battalion Commander of the U.S. Navy ROTC unit during his senior year. He was recognized and named to the  "Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities." After graduation, he served with distinction for three years in the U.S. Navy, and then transferred to the U.S. Naval Reserve as a Lt. (jg).

Bob had an illustrious professional career. His career started with him serving as a nuclear engineer for the General Electric's Atomic Power Equipment Department, departing as a Unit Manager. He served as a Lobbyist for the General Electric Utility Sales Division, where he helped to Expedite licensing of GE boiling water reactors. After leaving GE, Bob went on to serve as a Vice President at the S. M. Stoller Corporation, a subsidiary of Arthur D. Little, Inc. There, he helped the company to serve clients in the electric utility industry and while interfacing with financial institutions in New York City.

Bob’s professional career then took him to Akron, Ohio. He served as a Senior Vice President of the Wholesale Power division at First Energy, formerly Ohio Edison. While maintaining his position as a line executive, he also served as Chairman of the Edison Electric Institute's Clean Air Act Issue Group, which was responsible for leading the utility industry's lobbying effort to shape the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, as proposed by the George H.W. Bush administration.

Bob also served a term as a member of Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) Research Advisory group (RAC), and two years as the Chairman of the Environment Division's Utility Advisory Group. During this same period, he served as a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Utility Advisory Group, and chaired the group’s NOx Advisory Committee. He was appointed as the Chairman of the Board for CQ, Inc., and finally, he was a member of the Utility Air Regulatory Group (UARG), where he lobbied against the adoption of the so-called WEPCO rule, which had it been adopted, would have destroyed the electric utility industry.

Fortunately, the passage of the Clean Air Act of 2002 made the provisions of the WEPCO rule irrelevant. Unfortunately, this act was overruled by ultra-liberal judges who were appointed to the Court System by President Bill Clinton.

Bob retired from First Energy, and moved on to an even more challenging role while serving as a Director and President of the HOA for the Canoa Estates Homeowners Association in Green Valley, Arizona. In retirement, he continued to serve as a trusted consultant to First Energy Corp. He enjoyed his wife Pauline’s gourmet cooking and long conversations with family and friends. Bob stayed busy well into retirement, and rarely ever had much free time. He did, however, enjoy fishing and very much was a model railroad enthusiast. 

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pauline. Together, they shared 61 years of marriage. He is also preceded in death by this two younger brothers, Edward and James McWhorter. He is survived by his son, John McWhorter (Missy); daughter, Laura Clare Knight; grandsons, Joshua Forquer and Kurt Henderson (Evelyn); great grandchildren, Violet and Julius Henderson; and his brother, Stanley McWhorter

Memorial Service 2 P.M. FRIDAY June 21st, 2024 at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N Miller Road, Akron, OH 44333. Chaplain David Harstine officiating.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob’s name may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, 85. N Miller Road, Akron, OH 44333.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.