Robert W. May, J.D.: 1947-2017

Robert W. May, a graduate of Saint Louis University (A&S ’71, Law ’85) and current member of SLU’s Board of Trustees, died May 29, 2017. He was 69.

Robert May (right) presented John Padberg, S.J., with an honorary degree at SLU’s commencement May 20 at Chaifetz Arena.

An active member of the SLU community since his days as a student, May was lauded by University President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., for his continued commitment to SLU, including recently participating in the 2017 spring commencement ceremony on May 20, just nine days before his passing.

"Bob was one of the kindest and gentlest people I have known,” Pestello said. “Less than two weeks ago, Bob was on the stage at our commencement ceremony. He took the microphone and presented John Padberg, S.J., with an honorary degree. I am grateful he was able to join us for the ceremony so that all those in attendance could see and appreciate Bob’s loyalty to the SLU community."

A member of the SLU’s Board of Trustees for a decade, May also served on the School of Law Dean’s Council for more than 15 years.

In 1999, he established the William E. and Mary Ann May Scholarship – named for his late parents -- which helps offset the cost of law school for deserving students each year.

"Bob May was a kind and generous man who touched the lives of so many,” said School of Law Dean William P. Johnson, J.D. “He will be terribly missed. While our hearts are broken by his passing, we take comfort in knowing that his spirit lives on through the tremendous impact he has had on the lives of our students and on our community.”

To recognize his many contributions to the University throughout the years, SLU named Robert May Hall, which is home to upperclassmen and graduate students, in his honor. A classroom in Scott Hall is named in his honor as well.

A practicing attorney for more than 30 years, May was the retired vice chairman, secretary and general counsel of TLC Vision Corp.

May was the beloved father of Katharine May, dearest family of Belinda May (Ralph) and dear brother of George (Anne) May.

Visitation was held Wednesday, May 31, at the Schrader Funeral Home in Ballwin, Missouri. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 1, at St. Francis Xavier College Church, 3628 Lindell Blvd.

Contributions may be made to the William E. and Mary Ann May Endowed Scholarship Fund 30787 at Saint Louis University, 1 N. Grand Boulevard, Room 319, St. Louis, Missouri, 63103.