Robert Nicolas Pundsack

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Robert Nicolas Pundsack, who passed on October 26th after a long, courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. Robert was born in Genoa, Italy in 1938 but spent most of his childhood in Spain and the UK. He studied at Brighton College, Barcelona University (Diplomat of Maritime Law), and Tulane University (Romance Languages & Political Science). He was admitted to the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers in 1961.
Robert had a long, accomplished career in the shipping industry beginning in 1958 with Lykes Line Agency working in London, Barcelona, New Orleans and Genoa. He had a range of occupations including insurance operations, ship brokering, Baltic Exchange floor runner and port agency operations officer. In 1970, with the Board of Commissioners, he worked as the Director of Foreign Trade Development at the Port of New Orleans, establishing the port's London office and marketing the British Isles, Scandinavia, Iberian Peninsula, Africa, Middle East, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. He would also take on roles at Roberts Steamship Agency and Beaufort Navigation before starting his own agency, Peninsular Shipping in 1983, and later acquiring Fillette, Green Shipping Services in 1986. Robert expanded the operations in the U.S. Gulf and South Atlantic Ports, resulting in a total of 12 office locations. Building on strong commercial relationships with the biggest cement and concrete companies in Colombia, Robert acquired Intership Agency in Colombia in 2006. Through Robert's leadership, Intership Agency expanded and now handles vessels in almost all Colombian Ports and Terminals. Robert not only developed a business fraternity in Colombia, but also developed long lasting friendships in his 10 years as CEO. Robert will remain in the heart of many people in Colombia.
Along with being a world traveler who was versed in several languages, Robert was an avid reader and always enjoyed a good meal. He was a wonderful storyteller, and perhaps an even better listener. Robert filled his house with his various collections, including model ships, books, artwork, and most fondly, clocks.
Robert is survived by his daughter, Chantal and son-in-law Nathan; his grandchildren, Jack and Eleanor; daughters, Mariana and Tanya; and son, Christian and daughter-in-law, Carol Ann.
A service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, November 5, 2016, at Old Town Presbyterian Church, in Bay St. Louis, with visitation commencing at 10:00am. The family asks that no flowers be sent. Instead, donations can be made in Robert's name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's research: www.michaeljfox.org/tribute/tribute-page.php?id=19952
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 9113 Kiln DeLisle Rd., Pass Christian, MS, served the family. An online guestbook may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com