Robert F. Biolchini, the longtime CEO of PennWell Corporation, has passed away. Biolchini retired as CEO in September 2015, when he became Chairman of the Board. His profound influence on PennWell spanned nearly five decades, from 1970 to today.
Biolchini, known around the PennWell offices as Bob, died early this morning in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He was a captain in the U.S. Army, a fervent supporter of Notre Dame, and spurred the creation of the Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award in memory of his friend, the late FDNY Deputy Chief Ray Downey, who was killed in the 9/11 terror attacks on New York City.
“We will always remember Bob for his vision, extraordinary energy, and intrepid leadership that transformed PennWell from a print-centric magazine business to what we have become today,” said PennWell CEO and President Mark Wilmoth.
