Robert Katz

Robert Katz was born on October 21, 1926 in Alhambra, California, to Abe and Rywka (Regina) Katz. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 2, 2022 after having lived a long and happy life.

His father owned two shoe shops where “Bobbie,” as his parents called him, worked with his twin brother, Howard, and older brother, Jack, after school and on weekends. In 1945, he joined the Navy to go overseas and fight in WWII. Afterward, he re-enlisted as a reservist and was sent to fight in the Korean War. Following both wars, he worked at Macy’s as a buyer but soon discovered that his true calling was the history of the United States. His passion for American history and inquisitive mind propelled him to pursue a Master’s degree in teaching, after which he never looked back. Being a high school history teacher was the highlight of his life. He was an inspiration to a generation and positively touched the lives of countless people.

Robert was a lifelong Democrat but always had the utmost respect for other people’s opinions and views, regardless of their party affiliations. He built his life around honor, integrity and honesty. He was an exceptional human being and a real friend. Everyone who met Robert instantly felt his sincere warmth, genuine kindness, piercing intelligence, and deep compassion and selflessness. He made lifelong friendships wherever he went and with people from all walks of life.

Robert was heartbroken in 2013 when he lost the love of his life, his wife Mary Elizabeth “Betty.” The constant love and support of friends and family helped ease his pain and provided much consolation. He was a dedicated, devoted, and supremely supportive father and grandfather. He spent a great deal of time with his granddaughters, Lexi and Erika, whom he adored dearly. He loved taking long walks throughout his life, traversing Corona del Mar with his dog Bailey and, later, going daily to the Harborview Hills greenbelt with his dog Clancy to meet up with his close friends. He was a voracious reader and loved classic old movies and musicals.

He will be dearly missed by his loving son Jonathan Katz, daughter-in-law Stacey Katz, granddaughters Alexis “Lexi” and Erika Katz, daughter Sheri Lowe, son-in-law Jon Lowe.

To have known Robert is to love him. His wisdom, humor, integrity, intelligence, and compassion are rare in this world. His friends and extended family will miss him dearly and he will be forever treasured in their hearts.