Robert Paschal, fourth-generation owner and CEO of Warwick Publishing (PPAI 114154, Silver) – the No. 74 supplier in the PPAI 100 – passed away on Sunday, November 17, due to extensive health complications from kidney cancer. He was 69 years old.
Robert, along with his late brother Jim, late father Don and late Uncle John Paschal, grew the family business from a small newspaper company under the name Chronicle Publishing Company to the international promotional products supplier that Warwick has become today.
Working for Warwick for the past 47 years, he guided the company through multiple acquisitions, including Collector’s Gallery in Minnesota and Winthrop Atkins in Massachusetts, and led the firm’s complete transition out of the newspaper industry with the sale of that division to Shaw Media Group in 1989.
“Another sad time for the Warwick family,” says Phil Martin, national sales manager at Warwick. “I was blessed to have worked for and alongside Rob for 38 years. He was a mentor and friend who I will miss dearly. I smile at the thought of him and his brother, Jim, sharing laughs over a nice martini – very dry, of course.”
I smile at the thought of him and his brother, Jim, sharing laughs over a nice martini – very dry, of course.”
Phil Martin
National Sales Manager, Warwick Publishing
In January of 2020, Rob’s son Alex joined the business, marking the fifth generation of Paschals to be involved in the day-to-day operations of Warwick. In July of 2021, Alex assumed the role of president upon the passing of his Uncle Jim. With Rob’s passing, Alex – a 2023 PPAI Rising Star – will be assuming full ownership of Warwick and the CEO position of the company in January of 2025.
“My father was truly remarkable, and his presence will be deeply missed in the halls of our business,” says Alex. “I had the privilege of working alongside my father for almost 5 years. His demeanor and treatment of our people was a major reason why so many chose to stay at Warwick for a majority of, and in some cases all of, their entire career. While my father, best friend and business partner’s legacy and impact on our company will live on, he will be sorely missed.”
My father was truly remarkable, and his presence will be deeply missed in the halls of our business.”
Alex Paschal
President, Warwick Publishing
Robert is survived by his son Alex; cousins Jane (Bob) Burns, Paul (Cindi) Paschal and Cecilia Paschal; and in-laws Kim Paschal, Cindy and Jeff Thomas and Carole Fleck.
A visitation for Robert will take place on Tuesday, December 3 from 3-6 p.m. at Yurs Funeral Home in St. Charles, Illinois, at 405 E Main St. A private family burial will be taking place at Union Cemetery in St. Charles.
Donations in Rob’s memory can be made to The First Tee.
Written by: John Corrigan
Published with Permission from: PPAI
