Robert Kramer, former advertising executive who resided in Swarthmore, Pa., died Dec. 15 of sudden heart failure. Until his retirement, he was vice-president of Cresmer, Woodward, O’Mara and Ormsbee, a national newspaper representative firm and manager of that firm’s Philadelphia office, which was responsible for the Mid-Atlantic United States.

He was born in Brockton and raised in New Bedford. He was a son of Max and Anne Kramer. He received a BA degree in economics from Brown University. He attended Harvard Business School while serving in the U.S. Navy, and during World War II he was a Naval officer in the African-European Theater.

After the War, he was president of the Whaling City Broadcasting Corporation and, subsequently, became involved in newspaper sales in Beaumont, Tex., Indianapolis, Indiana and Chester, Pa. in an executive capacity.

He was past president of the Newspaper Advertising Sales Association and the Brown University Club of Philadelphia. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Philadelphia, serving as committee chairman and on various committees, as well as a member of the Harvard Club of Philadelphia and the Rolling Green Golf Club, Springfield, Delaware County, Pa. While in Indianapolis, he was Commanding Officer of the Naval Supply Corp. unit.

At the time of his death, he was Vice-Commander of the Naval Order of the United States and executive Vice-President of the 4th Naval District for the Naval Reserve Association. He is survived by his brother Paul S. Kramer of North Dartmouth, his sister, Phyllis K. Cronig of Vineyard Haven, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be private. Contributions may be made to Brown University.