In Memoriam: Robert Millstone

Longtime scrap executive, who has died at age 75, co-founded Atlantic Recycling Group.

millstone atlantic recycling
Robert Millstone helped found and build Atlantic Recycling Group.
Photo provided by Atlantic Recycling Group.

Atlantic Recycling Group (ARG) co-founder and longtime Maryland scrap recycling executive Robert G. Millstone has died at age 75. Millstone was born and raised in the Washington, D.C., area, and served as CEO of ARG until his death Sept. 21.

According to his Legacy.com obituary, Millstone died “after a brave fight against advanced blood disease.” He spent his entire working career in the scrap recycling industry, starting out at his father’s company, Rockville, Maryland-based Montgomery Iron & Metal. He took over the reins of that firm after his father Phil’s death in 1978, eventually renaming it Montgomery Scrap Corp.

Along with David Caffee, Millstone formed Atlantic Recycling Group in 2006, combining the Montgomery Scrap assets with those of United Iron & Metal in Baltimore, plus another Baltimore location (and at one time a feeder yard in eastern Ohio).

Millstone is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Sickles Millstone; two daughters, Jessica and Heather Millstone; and two grandchildren.

States his Legacy.com obituary: “He is a legend to all who met him - the memory of his generosity, larger-than-life presence, kindness, and dry sense of humor only matched by fond recollections of his signature cowboy hat and boots, as well as his strong square jawline. He might have been the Bossman, but he treated everyone with respect and equanimity, seeing the value and potential in everyone and helping them to also find it in themselves.”

His family says donations in his name can be considered in Robert’s memory to New York-based No Kid Hungry “or another organization that provides essential support to children in need.”