Beth Trapani
I wrote this for my friend and former coworker, Kathy Marsico, to read at Bob's service. I am so very sorry for his loss. My heart goes out to his family and to all who knew him. He was one in a million.
Anyone who was fortunate enough to have known Bob Kmetz can instantly call up his voice in their memory… You can hear it wrapping around you… that resonant depth and warmth … a sound I know we will all forever miss.
Bob had such a unique and charming presence … a spirit that engaged everyone … a magnetism that drew people to him… a hardy laugh that simply couldn’t be missed… an energy that inspired you… and a heart that knew no bounds for those he loved.
I had the incredible honor of calling Bob Kmetz a mentor and a dear friend.
As a young reporter and anchor at KDKA Radio, I was eager to learn, and initially, a little intimidated by this man who came to work every day in cowboy boots and a big black hat… working with great gusto and precision on every single news report and news cast… the man with the incredible, booming pipes… a force to be reckoned with… a paradigm of excellence in the industry.
But Bob was also the consummate colleague, gentleman, and teacher. He held high standards for himself and for all those who worked with him… and he made everyone better because of it. He didn’t just ask you to do things well… he showed you how to do them… and supported you through the process. There was no one finer to learn from…
There’s really no way to adequately express the impact that Bob had on my life – professionally, and personally. I know I am not alone in this, as he has touched so many lives….
You couldn’t work with Bob and not be changed… shaped… and inspired.
And he was fun. Behind that sometimes gruff, serious exterior – that “I mean business” kind of energy - was a sharp wit and a playfulness that made the newsroom light up.
Bob could flip the switch from serious newsman to prankster like no other… sometimes, even blending the two. When I think of Bob at KDKA there are two competing images – one of someone furiously working – focused and serious - to get breaking news on the air…
and another with his feet up on the desk, shooting acerbic, dark commentary into the newsroom… making us all laugh – and sometimes wince… with lines that were delivered with a twinkle and a chuckle.
He knew how to land a joke. He knew how to make anyone feel better about life. There was always “A five dollar fine for whining” when you were with Bob… He was not coming to anyone’s pity party, and he wasn’t going to tolerate anyone’s nonsense. But there was also always a smile, a pat – or smack – sometimes you weren’t sure which you were getting - on the back, and a hilarious joke or line to lift you right back up on your feet.
In addition to being a wonderful professional mentor, Bob was simply an amazing friend and person. His energy and zest for life were contagious.
We bonded over a love of horses and riding … and when he asked me if I wanted to join him on a cattle drive in Wyoming, shortly after I had left KDKA and moved to Philadelphia - there was only one answer – “Of course!”
After I accepted, he explained that his wife and the love of his life, Shirley, had joined him for one of these annual trips … but then refused to go again because the rancher was a little gruff and the entire experience was a little… taxing.
I should have talked with Shirley before I said yes! Everything she said was right! And, that year, Laramie, Wyoming got hit with the biggest and earliest September snowstorm it had seen in 100 years! Well, if there’s anyone you want to be snowed in with on the Wyoming plains… it’s 15 strangers and Bob Kmetz! Once again… he brightened the entire experience for everyone… he led the way in conversation and on horseback, on the range. It’s an experience I will cherish as one of my most favorite life memories…. Because I lived it with Bob, or, as most of us called him… Kmetz.
Bob was, in so many ways, a cowboy. And he possessed so many of the qualities that embody not only a cowboy, but a veteran journalist. He was independent… had an extremely strong work ethic… he was tenacious… curious… honorable… practical… resilient… resourceful… intelligent… humble… and he had tremendous integrity. He also had an extremely big heart and a soft, emotional side that brought a depth of humanity to everything he did.
Bob Kmetz loved horses and dogs and all that went with them…. And he cried every time a beloved animal had passed. He wasn’t afraid to show emotion. And he wouldn’t tell us not to cry today… he would say – Go on, get it out!
He cared deeply for his friends and he had a warm, soft heart for everyone he loved… especially for his family… his beloved wife, his children, and his grandchildren. Bob was so proud of his family… he reveled in their successes and happiness, and his heart broke for their sorrows.
If you were lucky enough to be loved by Bob… well, that was just about the best thing ever.
There was no one quite like him… They simply don’t make them like that anymore. He was made of different stuff… He was, quite simply, one of the best men I have ever known.
Bob, I hope you know how we all felt about you. And I sincerely hope that by the Grace of God, this is not a permanent goodbye – but simply a… “See you Later.”
I will forever be grateful for his presence in my life… and I will always love and miss him.
We will all miss him … we are all better for having known him… and may we all carry Bob’s amazing, beautiful spirit and energy with us… through the rest of our lives.
