While the Northeast Spa and Pool Association’s showcase event — The Pool and Spa Show: Powered by NESPA — boasted its usual high activity, there was a significant presence missing.

One of the organization’s most active volunteers — Bob Baron, owner of Baron Pool Service in Ramsey, N.J. — passed away unexpectedly Dec. 1 while vacationing in Mexico. He was 76.

The only person to have served as NESPA president for two terms — 1992-93 and 2003-04 — Baron played key roles in countless committees for the organization. An early advocate for industry education, he also participated in the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance’s preceding organizations, APSP and NSPI, taking part in the Builders Council and the Service Council, the later of which he chaired for a term. For the Builder’s Council, he was one of the members who originated and erected the first demonstration pools at the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo. For his contributions, he was named a PHTA Fellow.

He was also one of the Northeast’s longest-serving instructors, teaching certification courses across organizations, and he helped write numerous texts, guides and handbooks.

T. Robert Baron III was born April 30, 1943 in Brooklyn, N.Y. He followed his father into the pool industry, joining the elder’s pool company in 1961, then establishing his own firm, Baron Pool Service, in 1976. With his father an early NESPA member, Baron also carried on that legacy, starting with the organization’s Metro Chapter, for which he served as president.

In addition to moving up the ranks to head NESPA for two terms, officials said Baron had served on nearly every committee and task force for that organization throughout his career.

He also played a key role in moving and expanding NESPA’s annual event from a tabletop show in New York City to the large-scale convention and conference it is at its trademark Atlantic City location.

Baron showed the same dedication to his other involvements, which included his church, the Rotary Club, and his local volunteer fire department, of which he once served as chief.

“You meet somebody like Bob and you say, ‘I feel like I’m busy and yet he’s doing twice as much as I am with a smile on his face,’” said NESPA Executive Director Dominick Mondi. “People like that are such a rare breed and so valuable, and that’s why he touched so many people.”

When he passed, Baron was head of NESPA’s Quarter Century Club, which recognizes professionals who have been members for 25 years or more. Friends said he was looking forward to The Pool & Spa Show in January, where he was set to receive his 60-year pin. He was so honored twice. In a touching moment after his funeral, friend and fellow Quarter Century Club member Al Rizzo placed the pin on Baron in his casket. He also was recognized in Atlantic City at the Quarter Century Club’s meeting.

“That morning was extremely emotional and tearful,” said long-time friend George Kazdin, president of Kazdin Pools & Spas in Southampton, N.Y.

Baron was known for helping and encouraging people who were new to the industry or taking on more responsibility. “He made an impression on my daughter Julie in a very short time,” Kazdin said. “She rose up the chairs [in the NESPA Board], and at some point he had taken her aside and said, ‘You can do it. You go for it.’ He gave her encouragement to keep going.”

Baron is survived by his wife, Gerry; daughters Gerylee Baron and Dawn Baron; son T.R. Baron; grandchildren Sean Kelley (partner Gabrielle Gordon), Paige Kelley, Fallon Kelley, Heather Baron (husband Brett Miranda) and Krista Baron; and sisters Barbara and Patricia.