Robert Samuels, 84, the retired president of the Chicago Yellow Cab Co., died Friday in his Northbrook home.
Mr. Samuels was a graduate of the University of Chicago and John Marshall Law School.
A World War II veteran, he served aboard the USS Colorado and fought in all the major U.S. naval campaigns of the war in the Pacific.
In 1963, he became president of the cab company. He retired in 1977.
Two years after becoming president, a 23-day taxi drivers strike took place in Chicago and drivers picketed Mr. Samuels’ home.
In 1965, the Chicago Yellow Cab Co. boasted the largest taxi fleet in the world with 2,166 vehicles. The company also introduced many innovations to taxicabs: automatic windshield wipers, balloon tires; two-way UHF radio; and passenger seat belts. It also was the first company to use a distinctive color to distinguish its fleet from private cars.
The Yellow Cab Co. also was responsible for the purchase and installation of Chicago’s first traffic signals, which were on Michigan Avenue between Roosevelt Road and Randolph Street.
Mr. Samuels was a booster of Chicago as a place for conventions and tourism when he was quoted as saying in January 1965 that McCormick Place was just beginning to show its potential as a gathering place.
“I wish we could have more entertainment at night–legitimate theater, for instance,” Mr. Samuels told the Chicago Tribune. “This is why people go to New York City. You’d also get more wives to come to Chicago.”
Mr. Samuels’ company also recruited drivers who spoke foreign languages to serve as guides for tourists or others who did not speak English.
“He always was fascinated by what every driver had to tell him,” said his wife, Hope. “When he got in a cab, the first thing he did was talk to the driver.”
In addition to his wife, survivors include two sons, Lawrence and Thomas; and four grandchildren.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday in Chicago Sinai Congregation, 15 W. Delaware Pl., Chicago.
