Our dear husband, father, grandfather, uncle, great grandfather Robert (Bob) Paul Weiss entered into rest on May 20, 2016. He celebrated over 80 years of life filled with love, family, learning, teaching, golf, and service to others. He was born in Chicago, Ill and has been a resident of the Santa Clara Valley since the early 1950's, a resident of Saratoga since 1971. His parents Ernest and Mary Weiss (San Jose, CA) preceded him in death. He was the loving husband of Joy (61 years of marriage), loving father to son Lane (Teri), and daughters Jeri, and Gini. Grandfather to Amrie, Skyler, Jayten, Callan, Matt, Lauren, and Hallie, and Robert (deceased), Kyle (deceased), Great-Grandfather to Chloe, Savannah, and another great-grand baby expected in August. Uncle to Michael Mitchell, Shelli Kearns, and Dennis Mitchell (deceased).
Bob attended grade school in Corvallis and Salem, Oregon. After a move to San Jose, California he was in the first graduating class of James Lick High School. He attended San Jose State University (BA – Radio and TV; MA in Education). He earned his PhD in education from Michigan State University at age 35. Bob was a teacher and administrator with the Santa Clara Unified School district for 25 years. He taught at the graduate level at San Jose State University. He entered the field of financial planning and consulting and retired in the mid-1990's.
Bob was very active in the communities in which he lived and enjoyed family, travel, golf, politics, reading, serving and helping others, and using his humor to connect with all. He was very active in his fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, San Jose State Athletics, and was long time board member and president elect of the San Jose State Alumni Association. Bob served as a member of the Kiwanis Club, as a member and foreman of the Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury, is a former member and board member of the Saratoga Country Club. He served as a leader with Planned Parenthood, and several years ago, served on the Saratoga Finance Commission. The arts were a passion of his, and he and Joy supported and enjoyed the San Jose Rep. Theatre, as well as productions in San Francisco and New York. He generously contributed to many charities and his philanthropic spirit touched many throughout the Santa Clara Valley.
The San Francisco Giants, 49ers, Golden State Warriors, and San Jose State Spartans were the teams he loved to cheer for, as well as teams from Oregon State University.
During the past several years, Bob was a devoted caretaker to Joy. Bob was referred to by the family and others as the "mayor" of "lower" Pierce Road and the Argonaut neighborhood. He kept abreast of activities taking place, chatted with all neighbors, and petted dogs as they walked past. He watched over the neighborhood he lived in for 45 years.
Bob inspired, mentored, and encouraged many, and was always an amazing "teacher" on a variety of subjects. He was a brilliant public speaker, a gifted writer, and a strong leader and advocate for public education. He encouraged young people and was so proud of those he mentored, including his children and grandchildren.
We will miss you Bob, Dad, and Papa Bob, but your legacy and family shall keep your spirit alive and well! We love you!
Services will be held at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 14103 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga CA 95070, on Thursday, May 26, 2016, at 12pm. A reception for family and friends will be held at the Saratoga Country Club following the services at the church. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony in the Madronia Cemetery in Saratoga.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the San Jose State University Alumni Association Scholarship Program in his name. San Jose State University Alumni Association
One Washington Square San Jose, CA 95192-0126
408-924-6515