Robert Emil Gugenheim Jr.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1937 to Robert and Marion Gugenheim, Bob was known for his compassion, devotion to family, sharp wit, and bone-dry sense of humor. An avid tennis player, he won a high school state tennis championship before becoming a two-time letter winner for the University of Virginia men’s team in 1958 and 1959.

His career in financial management within the home-building industry took the family from Wyoming, Ohio, to Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1982. A perfect day for Bob included a win on the tennis court (without running or hitting anything other than a drop or slice shot), a horseback ride in the Colorado mountains, and enjoying Graeter’s ice cream and Double Stuff Oreo cookies with his family—while making sure to remind them they were all a bunch of schmucks. He never shied away from a game of cards, a sports wager, or a clandestine smoke.

Bob is survived by his devoted family, with whom he cherished every moment: his children Stephen (Julie), Shoshana (Andrew), and Scott (Alison); his grandchildren Brandon, Samuel, Eliza, Gavriel, and Hadar; his nieces Lynne and Lisa (Larry); and his grandnephew and grandniece Jonathan and Millie. He was predeceased by his older brother Richard. During Bob’s long and painful struggle with Alzheimer’s, he was cared for by many people, but none more devoted or loving than Shirley, to whom the family extends their deepest gratitude.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, March 4, at 11 a.m. at Raleigh Hebrew Cemetery, located at 450 N. State Street. Following the service, guests are invited to a reception at the home of Steve and Julie Gugenheim, with a shiva minyan to be held at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Eastern North Carolina Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

May his memory be a blessing.