News industry veteran Robert Hammond remembered for dedication, friendship

Rob Hammond, who rose through the ranks at Trib Total Media to become general manager of The McKeesport Daily News, was remembered by former colleagues this week as much for his leadership as for his passion for the news industry.

Hammond, of Elizabeth Township, died Monday at age 75.

“Rob served as a dedicated and insightful leader within our organization for many years,” said Jennifer Bertetto, president and CEO of Trib Total Media. “His journey began managing our south papers, where he brought operational strength and a deep understanding of community needs. Later, he rose to take the helm of The (McKeesport) Daily News, where he led with distinction, ensuring the paper remained a vital source of information for its readers.”

Robert R. Hammond joined Trib Total Media in 2005 and became manager for the company’s South Division of publication. He was named general manager of The Daily News in 2007.

Hammond worked as a sales representative for the Mon Valley Independent at the time of his death. No cause of death was available.

Bill Cotter, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association, worked with Hammond in advertising during his days with the Trib.

“I called him ‘Mr. Hammond,’” Cotter said.

Cotter considered Hammond a mentor, reminiscing about times Hammond gave him the space to suggest and try new ideas in the office. He said Hammond had the unique talent of making employees know they were appreciated.

“He was a mentor to me, a colleague, and he was a good friend,” Cotter said.

Hammond was also a great example of how to be a good community member, Cotter said.

“He was so engaged in the community,” Cotter said. “He taught me it wasn’t just about the team inside the building. It’s also about the community outside.”

Hammond’s connections to the community served him well throughout his career, said Nazareth Victoria, co-owner of the Mon Valley Independent. Victoria was a part of a group of businessmen that bought the publication in 2016. He said Hammond’s expertise was integral to the newspaper’s success.

“Having someone who was in the business and ran the business, it was very valuable,” Victoria said.

Nick Monico recalled Hammond’s disarming charm.

“I have known Rob for over 30 years dating back to our time in Thomson newspapers,” said Monico, former chief operating officer of Trib Total Media and current COO of Adams MultiMedia. “Rob had an amazing, casual style with the ability to relate to everyone from the mail room to the boardroom. He worked at many newspapers over the years and was considered a great leader. Rob mentored many senior leaders working in the industry today. His wit and wisdom will be missed.”

Lori Byron, the Mon Valley Independent’s manager of advertising and circulation, knew Hammond for about two decades.

“Our relationship was like a big brother you’re always arguing with,” Byron said.

She said Hammond always had “a lot of irons in the fire.” Byron said after the two would have a bickering session, Hammond would ask about her family or how she was doing as if nothing happened.

“When it came down to it, he always knew what he was doing,” Byron said. “Oddly enough, it’ll be a little boring here without him.”

Hammond’s humor and the sense of calm he brought to the office will be greatly missed, she said. Byron said customers already have expressed that they miss him.

“He was just like their friend,” Byron said.

She said the office will feel Hammond’s absence. Byron called him a double threat with his experience on the editorial and advertising sides.

“He respected the business,” she said. “He knew the business.”

Outside of work, Hammond was “an avid collector of sports memorabilia, a hobby that perfectly reflected his dedication, enthusiasm and appreciation for history,” Bertetto said.

Cotter said even after he and Hammond parted ways professionally, they stayed in touch, often on birthdays and Father’s Days. Whenever they spoke, Hammond would gush about his family and talk about his travels to visit his children and grandchildren.

“He lived a great life,” Cotter said.

“Our deepest sympathies are with Rob’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” Bertetto said. “He will be greatly missed, but his legacy as a leader and a friend endures.”

A viewing for Hammond will be hosted at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home located at 301 Curry Hollow Road in Pittsburgh, from 3 to 6 p.m. Nov. 15.There will be a service for him at 6 p.m.