Robert M. Namen, 80, retired chairman of Osborn Engineering Co.

Robert M. Namen, retired chairman of Osborn Engineering Co., guided the Cleveland firm through the engineering of the designs for Progressive Field, when it was called Jacobs Field, and Cleveland Browns Stadium.

The 80-year-old Beachwood resident, who died April 16, also was in charge during the expansion and renovation of Ohio Stadium in Columbus and the engineering of lighting for Wrigley Field in Chicago.

Namen joined Osborn in the early 1950s. He was named president in 1985 and chairman and director of operations in 1995.

Some comments on  online guestbook indicate that Osborn employees regarded Namen as a father figure and positive role model.

“Our fondest memories are of the company picnics at Hinckley Park where we came to know his family and his employees' families,” wrote Lawrence Ho of Cleveland. “Importance of family was his trademark and core value of his very successful centennial company.

"The Ho family conveys our condolences to Susan and the entire Namen family and our gratitude to him for making our lives better through engineering and by example.”

A scholarship fund in Namen’s name was established to aid engineering students at his alma mater, The University of Michigan.  Donations may be forwarded to Robert M. Namen/Osborn Engineering Scholarship Fund, c/o University of Michigan College of Engineering, 1221 Beal Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2102.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 20, at

Family will receive friends at the residence, 2757 Richmond Road, following services until 8 p.m. and from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. Thursday, April 21.

Namen is survived by his wife, Susan (nee Berkley); children, Kimberlee, Kristin Bevan, Kathryn Helms and Gregg Leslie; and eight grandchildren.