Robert L. Rebori, who led water and wastewater equipment manufacturer Smith & Loveless Inc. as chairman and president for more than 30 years, died Oct. 7 at his home in Shawnee, Kansas. He was 91.

Rebori became president of Smith & Loveless in 1978 and led a management buyout within two years, returning the company to private ownership. He retired in 2009, transitioning leadership and ownership to his son, Frank J. Rebori, the company’s current president. The Rebori family has owned and led the company for nearly 50 years.

During Rebori’s tenure, Smith & Loveless expanded into municipal, industrial, federal and international markets through product development, acquisitions and new offices. The company expanded its packaged pump station business, established a leading position in grit removal systems and developed an early packaged membrane bioreactor treatment system. Its growth also extended into markets including copper mining, marine shipping and food processing.

“Bob was a student of history and enjoyed reflecting on past domestic and international events. However, he also advised to always look to the future,” said Frank Rebori in a press release. “It is with this perspective that we have advanced the growth of Smith & Loveless and will do so for generations to come.”

Rebori also supported the broader water infrastructure industry, serving as chairman and board member of the Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Association (WWEMA) and on the boards of other water equipment manufacturers.

“Bob was a great inspiration to many people. His critical thinking and sharp wit made him a great leader and mentor,” said Lanette Wickham, Smith & Loveless general counsel and Rebori’s daughter-in-law, in a press release. “Until the day of his passing at the age of 91, Bob kept up with business trends and current events.”

Rebori earned bachelor’s degrees in business and history from Seton Hall University and a master’s degree in economics from New York University while serving in the U.S. Army Reserves.