Robert Richard Risman

Family and friends had to say goodbye to Robert “Bob” Richard Risman of Lyndhurst, who passed away peacefully at age 95 on Feb. 3, 2024. He was born on June 15, 1928, in Cleveland, Ohio, to loving immigrant parents from Hungary, Joseph and Anna Risman.

Mr. Risman was a graduate of Shaker Heights High School, from there he went on to the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla., where he graduated and went on to earn a law degree at Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland. After law school, Bob joined the U.S. Army, where he taught finance at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, Ind., and at the Finance Center, Boston, Mass. After two years of service, he was honorably discharged.

Bob spent over 60 years amassing real estate holdings across the United States, serving as co-chairman of Realtek Industries, Inc. and Consolidated Management, Inc., which he co-founded with his late brother William. He subsequently founded and served as chairman and CEO of BEK Developers LLC, which remains active today and serves as his family office.

As a longtime member of The Chagrin Valley Trails and Riding Club, Bob loved riding and horses. He was also very philanthropic, donating his time and treasure to charities like Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals and other Cleveland-based organizations. There are several buildings throughout the Cleveland area carrying his family’s name as a testament to his commitment to philanthropy.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife Eleanor of 64 years, his two children, Marc (Erin) of Las Vegas and Kathy of Cleveland; and grandchildren Scott, Joseph, and Ryan. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Anna Risman and his brother William Burton Risman.

The family held a small private service Feb. 4 at Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be scheduled at a later date.

Donations can be made in Bob’s honor to: The Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, Ohio Chapter at FIDF.org or mailing P.O. Box 22410, Beachwood, OH 44122.