Robert Mader, a longtime editor who covered the PHCP industries for almost 40 years, most recently as the editor of Plumbing Engineer, died on Feb. 22 at the age of 65.

“The entire PHCPPros team is deeply saddened by this news,” said Brad Burnside, publisher of Plumbing Engineer. “Bob was an exceptional journalist and extremely respected in our industry. He will be missed by so many.”

Mader had recently joined the staff of PHCPPros, but started covering the plumbing and heating industry in 1984 after joining Contractor magazine. He spent more than three decades at the magazine, eventually becoming senior director of content for Penton Media Mechanical Groups, which included Contractor and its many supplements, sister publications Contracting Business and HPAC Engineering, related digital properties and the publishing company’s annual Comfortech conference.

As a freelance writer, his work appeared in many major industry publications, including PHC News.

He also served as editor of RSES Journal, the peer-reviewed technical publication of the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society.

Throughout his career, he focused on green and sustainable technology, codes and standards, and the issue of safeguarding public drinking water.

Robert P. "Bob" Mader was born on March 26, to Frank Mader and Helen West Mader. Bob was raised in Fairview Park, Ohio, graduating from St. Ignatius High School in 1973. He was also a proud 1977 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, establishing himself in Chicago shortly thereafter. 

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years, Kevyn Mader; his sister Jocelyn Mader Martau (the late Neil) and his brother John T. Mader (Johanna); his children Patrick (Megan), Rob, Maggie (Seneca), Alonzo, and Jaxon; and his grandsons Ford Mader and soon to be born Gavin Mader. Bob was a dear uncle and great-uncle to many and a friend and coworker to many more. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A visitation will be held Saturday, March 13, 2021, from 12 noon to 3 p.m. CST at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 North Main Street, Wheaton, Illinois, 60187. His memorial will be held directly after the visitation at 3 p.m. Guests are asked to wear a face-covering and observe social distancing guidelines. For those unable to attend, a Livestream of his memorial will be available here: https://youtu.be/c0I4iG8dnHo.