By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo area has lost a key business and civic leader. Robert Rich, Sr. died Wednesday night at the age of 92 at his home in Palm Beach, Florida.
Rich founded Rich Products in 1945 after coming up with an idea for a non-dairy product line of whipped toppings. He was the company's chairman at his death. Rich Products remains headquartered in Buffalo and has manufacturing plants around the world. The company's chief operating officer Bill Gisel says Rich leaves a lasting legacy.
"I think one of the most distinguishing things about Bob Rich is his commitment to the community," Rich said. "He started this business 60 years ago. During that time, a number of businesses have left this area. He not only wanted to develop and expand a thriving global business, he wanted it to stay headquartered here in Buffalo."
Gisel says Rich Products will remain a Buffalo-based company under the leadership of Robert Rich, Jr.
In his youth, the elder Rich played football for the University at Buffalo Bulls and played a major role in the founding of the university's wrestling program. In 1983, Rich Products purchased the Buffalo Bisons baseball team. Rich was inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame in 1991.