St. Paul’s School honors the life and legacy of our beloved graduate, Robert Mueller, who passed away last Friday at the age of 81. Bob’s life and service to country embody the ancient definition of the good life from the Hebrew prophet Micah: “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.” In 2015, Brett Forrest ’91 interviewed Bob for Alumni Horae, asking about the concept of service to one’s country, to which Bob replied, “I’ve been very lucky to have attended institutions that focus — and focus the individuals — on service. St. Paul’s did that. Princeton did that. I’ve always loved public service, the feeling of freedom you have to do what’s right, and the desire to give back.” When asked to elaborate on the freedom to do what’s right, Bob said:
“It means you don’t look at the bottom line. And whether it be at St. Paul’s — being on teams, you sacrifice some of yourself to be part of a team. The same thing at Princeton, In the Marine Corps, it’s leading men, sometimes to combat. And certainly as a prosecutor, and then at the FBI. You have the freedom to do what you think is right. The great thing about being the director of the FBI is that you get to be aggressively apolitical, which is a huge freedom. And so you have the rewards of interesting work, working with great people, and the freedom to make the right choice. Hopefully.”
To those who knew Bob personally, he was an outstanding SPS student, winner of the Gordon Medal, and leader in his day who later served the United States at high levels in war and peace. Tributes from his formmates paint a picture of an extraordinary man. I’m happy to share some of their thoughts:
Tough guy, and a very nice one. More like him, please.
— Gordon Walker
In school I found Bob to be the most honest, straightforward and well-rounded classmate I knew. Back in 2003 at a dinner in D.C., we sat next to each other and had a great conversation. We served in ‘Nam at the same time. He was a patriot.
— Dan Barbiero
Bob was an outstanding person who gave so much to his country. Although I was at St. Paul’s and Princeton with Bob, I really got to know him best when I served with him on the staff of Attorney General Dick Thornburgh during the administration of President George H. W. Bush. Robin Ross, who was the AG’s chief of staff, brought Bob and me on as assistants to the attorney general — Bob to keep an eye on the criminal division and other law enforcement components of the department and me to do the same for the civil side. (The attorney general was truly a nondiscriminatory employer, hiring a Delphian, an Isthmian and an Old Hundred.) It was a very happy time for me, working with Robin and Bob. Bob was a wonderful colleague, at all times displaying just the right combination of hard work, humor, and understanding. And beyond that, he earned the admiration and respect of all those with whom he worked at the department. He truly will be missed.
— Tony Schall
Like many of us, I followed Bob’s career, was in awe. And have several memories, all personal. One stands out: he and I were walking past the squash courts one spring afternoon. Quietly, simply, humbly, he paid me the kindest compliment I’d ever received. Haven’t forgotten it, nor Bob.
— Tom Santulli
Bob was one of those extraordinarily promising youths that actually did fulfill his promise — a career of exceptional integrity… To save our world, we desperately need more leaders of character. Bob is the template.
— Max King
Like many of our classmates, I am sure, I followed Bob’s remarkable path and like many Americans I am grateful that we had his conscience alongside his leadership on so many occasions. We are a better nation for it.
— Ralph Peer
Even at St. Paul’s, one could tell that Bob would lead an important and useful life. He was outstanding at everything to which he turned his mind and hand, and he was as straight as an arrow could be. As we used to say at evensong: “O Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over and our work is done. Then in thy mercy grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last.”
— Toby Hall
Bob received the Alumni Association Award for Distinguished Service from our Alumni Association in 2004. Our community holds him in the highest esteem, with deep gratitude for his exceptional life. We offer our heartfelt sympathy to his wife, Ann; his daughters, Melissa and Cynthia; and his family.
Kathleen C. Giles
Rector
Over the weekend, the University of Virginia School of Law shared a tribute to Mueller that highlighted the former FBI director’s commitment to his family, his country and the rule of law. Mueller received his J.D. from UVA in 1973.