COSCOÆs Bob Krekel dies at 50
Robert 'Bob' Krekel, executive vice president of operations management for COSCO North America, died of a heart attack Feb. 2.
Krekel, 50, lived in Rockaway Township, N.J. He is survived by his wife, Meredith; a son, Robert, and a daughter, Melissa.
Funeral services were held Monday.
Krekel graduated from the State University of New York Maritime College with a degree in marine transportation management and a third mate's license. After three years at sea, he worked as a port captain for Norton Lilly International, where he became assistant vice president of Norton Lilly's bulk ship and tanker division.
He joined COSCO in 1988 as general manager of COSCO's commerce department. He was appointed executive vice president in March 2005, with responsibility for the company's shipment management, land and marine operations. He was also COSCO's corporate security officer.
'His loss will be deeply felt by our company, and by all of our employees who considered him part of our COSCO family. We are all filled with sorrow about his untimely death,' said Chen Xiaomin, president of COSCO Americas.