Described as a gregarious man who liked working with people, A. Robert Eisenberg used his personal skills in a long career selling cars. He established his own car dealership in Chicago after working in a number of lots around the city.
Mr. Eisenberg, the founder of Roberts Leasing in Chicago, died Sunday in St. Joseph Health Centers and Hospital. He was 85.
Mr. Eisenberg began selling automobiles, mainly used Chevrolets, after World War II. His salesmanship once earned him General Motors’ prestigious President’s Award for being the top salesman of the year. In the 1960s, he switched to a Dodge dealership on LaSalle Street near North Avenue.
Later, he founded the Roberts Leasing dealership on Lincoln and Fullerton Avenues. The dealership, which later relocated to Lincolnwood, specialized in long-term leasing of commercial automobiles and trucks.
Mr. Eisenberg became a car dealer because he enjoyed working with people, said his son.
“He was very outgoing,” said Arthur Eisenberg. “He could always turn a crowd around. He probably should have been a politician.”
Mr. Eisenberg graduated from Senn High School in Chicago.
Other survivors, besides his son, include his wife, Edna; a daughter, Frances Florio; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a sister. Funeral services were held Tuesday.
