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High-Tech Pioneer Dressler, 83, Dies

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By GEORGE H. NEWMAN | The Tampa Tribune
and RAY REYES | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 20, 2008

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  Robert Dressler

TAMPA - A pioneer in the development of color television, radar, satellite reconnaissance and other technologies for the Department of Defense died Wednesday after attending a University of South Florida investment meeting.

USF Foundation trustee Robert Dressler collapsed at the meeting about 1:30 p.m., university officials said. Dressler, 83, was taken to a local hospital, where he died.

"We are profoundly saddened by the death of one of our closest and most devoted friends," USF President Judy Genshaft said in a statement. "Bob Dressler was a wonderful person. We benefited from his wise counsel and his tireless commitment to USF's mission."

Family friend Steven Ash of Tampa said Dressler "was very instrumental in supporting the university" and helped USF get a $45 million research grant from the Department of Defense.

Dressler was born in New York on May 5, 1925, and served in the U.S. Navy in World War II. During his stint in the military, Dressler helped develop advancements in electronics and worked on one of the first cameras used in spy satellites that flew over Russia, said his widow, Edith Dressler.

After his time in the military, Dressler served as director of research and president for Autometric Corp., a company now owned by Boeing Aircraft.

In a statement, Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio called Dressler "an outstanding human being. So intelligent. So perceptive." Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Friday at Congregation Rodeph Sholom Synagogue, 2713 Bayshore Blvd.

Reporter Ray Reyes can be reached at (813) 259-7920.

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