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September 8, 1949 – January 16, 2023
Bob was universally described as having a ready smile and happy eyes that made the people around him feel seen and loved. A kind soul who was generous with his time, knowledge, and resources, he was unwaveringly patient and steadfastly positive.
Bob lived with lymphoma for the past five years. He was cancer free when he died of a lung infection at Stanford Hospital on January 16th, 2023. He was brave and courageous throughout numerous treatments, maintaining an incredibly positive attitude and deep faith in his medical team all while sharing his journey through his honest, eloquent writing. He was truly an inspiration.
Born in New Rochelle, New York in 1949, Bob was a graduate of Cheshire Academy and Pace University. He left the bitter winters of New York in 1974 in search of sunshine and love. He found both in California, the very day he arrived in San Francisco, at the Renaissance Faire in Novato whereby fate and fortune he met the love of his life, Claudette Bergman. They married in 1978 and raised two incredible children. Summers were spent in Tahoe with family and dear friends. Spring and Falls were spent making memories in Carmel and Oregon. Winters were spent in basketball gyms!
Nothing brought more joy to Bob than attending his son and daughter's basketball and volleyball games. More recently, he was the number one fan of his grandchildren's basketball and water polo games. He cheered on his granddaughter's team at their CIF NorCal quarterfinal water polo game on November 15th, 2022, which would be his last game to attend.
His sports fandom expanded beyond family pursuits. He and Claudette were Stanford men's and women's basketball, and women's volleyball fans for decades.
Bob founded Gr8work Builders in 1977 and enjoyed a long career as a contractor helping people create their dream homes. He was an active member of P.E.A. and NARI, serving as president for both organizations. He first volunteered as a firefighter in 1974 with the La Honda Fire Brigade and was chief of the L.H.F.B. for sixteen years. He was a construction captain for Rebuilding Together for twenty years. Bob devoted hundreds of hours to these organizations and was awarded the Mid-Pen Media Center's "Local Hero" award in 2019. San Mateo County recognized Bob in 1991 in a resolution honoring him for years of service to the community.
Predeceased by parents, William and Jeanette Rosenberg; sister, Carol Rosenberg; grandson, Quinn Rosenberg; son-in-law, Kevin Gillett; in-laws Claude and Marion Bergman; brother-in-law, Russ Vanderhurst.
Survived and loved by his caring wife, Claudette; sister, Amy Farrell (Chris); brother, Fred Rosenberg (Vicky); son, Shanan (Sarah); daughter, Erin Gillett. Baba to five amazing and beloved grandchildren: Paedrin and Kingsley Gillett, and Walt, Clyde, and Gus Rosenberg. Uncle Bob to six nieces and nephews. He is forever loved by his constant and adoring four-legged companions, Mina and Ziggy.
If you'd like to make a donation in Bob's name, please consider stjude.org , rebuildingtogether.org , or greenfoothills.org . A memorial service and reception will be held on March 31st. Information through Crippen & Flynn, Redwood City, California
