Robert (Bob) W. Seurkamp

October 2, 1939 – July 18, 2025

"I would love to live like a river flows, carried by the surprise of its own unfolding."

John O'Donohue

Bob Seurkamp was an accomplished executive and creative problem solver, a craftsman and builder, and, above all, a loyal and loving family man.

Bob grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, where his familyavid Reds baseball fanshad lived for generations. A formative experience working at Putnick's Hardware Store introduced him to home repair and construction. These skills fueled Bob's professional and personal interests and launched his reputation as the "fix-it man." His ability to recognize problems, build relationships, and create solutions endeared him to colleagues, friends, and family.

After four years of service in the United States Air Force, Bob began a 25-year career at Xerox Corporation in Cincinnati, Ohio, with later stops in Boston, Massachusetts; Greenwich, Connecticut; and finally, Rochester, New York, where he and his family settled for the next 20 years. During his tenure, Bob earned increasing responsibility in management, employee/industry relations, and customer service strategy. He traveled internationally and received Xerox's highest recognition, the President's Award, for his strategic solutions.

After retiring from Xerox, Bob bought and operated East Bluff Harbor Marina on Keuka Lake in upstate New York. At the marina, Bob combined his management experience and hands-on mechanical skills with his love of the water and people. He was in his element.

Bob had many interests. He raced both hydroplane boats and stock cars and once built his own boat. He was an expert on Early American pottery, amassing a collection of more than 200 pitchers and teaching a course about this era of pottery making.

To many in Baltimore, Bob was best known for his steadfast support of Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU), where his wife, Mary Pat Seurkamp, served as president from 1997 to 2012. At this Catholic college founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame for the education of women, Dr. Seurkamp was the first permanent president who was a lay person and had a spouse. The chair of the board at the time, Jane Burke, SSND, named Bob the "first, first-man." He loved that title and became a significant presence at university events, establishing strong relationships with faculty, staff, students, alums, and community leaders.

With his construction expertise, Bob had a strong connection to the beautiful and historic restoration of the Marikle Chapel of the Annunciation at NDMU. He traveled with Mary Pat to the Mayer Studio in Germany, where the chapel's original stained-glass windows were restored. This was a deeply meaningful experience for Bob, touching on his appreciation for fine craftsmanship as well as his Catholic faith.

When the Seurkamps moved to Maryland in 1997, Bob sold the marina and launched a consulting business in labor relations and strategic planning. He was appointed executive director of the Maryland Governor's Workforce Investment Board (GWIB) by then-governor Robert Ehrlich. He led this policy-making body for workforce development for four years.

Bob and Mary Pat purchased waterfront property in the Middle River area of Baltimore, fulfilling Bob's dream to retire on the water. He put his talent to work again, transforming the "studs and insulation" framework of a house on the property into a beautiful home. In recent years, this home has been a gathering place where cherished memories were created with children and grandchildren, always with Bob's loyal dog at his sidehis boxer, Gabriella.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Mary Pat Seurkamp. He was the loving father of Kris Seurkamp Knauf (Greg), Robert Everett Seurkamp (Andrea), and Alison Brooke Pierce (Justin). He was the cherished grandfather of Kyle, Raphael, Brady, Zachary, Jackson, Camryn, Dominick, and McKenna. Bob was pre-deceased by his first wife, Joan Everett Seurkamp, and brother Bill (Joan). He is survived by siblings Beverly Desmarais, Sharon Hunter, and Debi Gerbus (Bob).

The Funeral Service will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 11:30AM at the Marikle Chapel of the Annunciation (located in Theresa Hall) at Notre Dame of Maryland University 4701 N. Charles St. Baltimore, MD 21210. The Seurkamp family will be in the Murphy Gathering Space (just outside the Chapel) from 10AM until the Funeral Mass begins, to greet visitors. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to The Seurkamp Fund for Academic Excellence (in memory of Robert Seurkamp) c/o Carroll Galvin, Ph.D. Vice President for Institutional Advancement and University Communication, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Noyes House 4701 N. Charles St. Baltimore, Maryland 21210