Robert Schmertz (November 15, 1926 – July 24, 1975) [1][2] was an American real estate developer and sports franchise owner.
He was owner or part-owner of two NBA franchises; the Portland Trail Blazers from 1970 through 1972, and the Boston Celtics from 1972 until 1975.
Schmertz also founded Leisure Technology, a developer of retirement communities.
[6] In 1970, Schmertz along with his friends Larry Weinberg and Herman Sarkowsky paid $3.7MM to secure an NBA expansion team for Portland.
[8] Prior to his death in New York City, Schmertz lived in Lakewood Township, New Jersey.