Robert was born February 22, 1925 in Long Beach California. Bob was the youngest of seven brothers and sisters and was raised on the beaches and in the schools of southern California. Bob joined the Navy in 1942 at the age of seventeen and was soon piloting landing craft as part of his training and duties. Bob was stationed on the island of Ulithi in the South Pacific during WWII. Ulithi was part of an island atoll that made up one of the largest natural harbors in the South Pacific. On one occasion Bob put his own life at risk to save a man that was drowning far off shore. Bob's quick action and bravery saved the man and Bob was awarded a medal of citation for bravery for his actions that day. After the war was won and Bob came home he moved to Berkeley CA. In 1947 while working at Western Electric Co. he met a beautiful young redhead on a blind date. Love sparked a romance and Bob and Phyllis were married in June of 1948 and enjoyed 63 years of marriage. Sons John and Steven where the product of Bob and Phyllis's union and they enjoyed an active life full of family and friends. Bob proudly served as a firefighter for the City of Oakland for 25 years and saved many lives in his service. Bob never boasted or talked much about his actions in the fire service nor did he complain about the harsh conditions and danger he faced repeatedly in his service to the community. Articles were written and awards were presented for his service but Bob was always quiet and humbled by the recognition. After Bob retired from the fire service Bob and Phyllis started a new chapter in their lives as owners of a successful jewelry business called Griffin Designs. Bob and Phyllis designed, crafted and sold their jewelry around the world. The business gave Bob and Phyllis the opportunity to travel together and enjoy the fruits of their creativity and business success. Griffin Designs was for Bob a dream come true of business success that he had talked about most of his life. Bob is survived by wife Phyllis sons John and Steven, grandchildren Matthew and Derek as well as great grandchildren Dylan and Olivia and many more family and friends. Bob lived an exceptional life and will be missed by all those he touched.