Bob Selinger

Robert “Bob” Selinger, was born in Phoenix, Arizona, to Sylvia (“Chevy”) and Jerry Selinger. He grew up in Arizona with his sister, Arlene, and brother, Mark. Bob attended Cortez High School and then U of A. Bob was a loyal Wildcat, an active alumnus, and went to a ton of college basketball, football and baseball games. Bob also enjoyed professional sports, particularly the Warriors and the Diamondbacks.

After college, Bob worked for the Boy Scouts of America and moved to Santa Cruz where he met the love of his life, Jean, at a party. They were married in 1970, had 2 children (Michelle and Aaron) and several dogs, and made their home in Sacramento and then Irvine. Bob went on to own his own solar business and had a career in real estate.

Bob lived life to the fullest. He was an upbeat person who loved making connections with people. He and Jean hosted at least half a dozen exchange students from various countries. He also loved to travel, racking up more than a million air miles on United and visiting every continent. Bob was a lifelong Rotarian and a member of the Arch C. Klumph Society. He found volunteer work very rewarding. Bob spent seven years in Zambia raising money and managing social works projects including building wells, securing wheelchairs, and launching an entrepreneurship program teaching former sex workers how to sew (and giving them sewing machines) so they could earn a living. Bob was a great cook. Honey Chicken with Rice was his specialty. Bob also made a mean New York Cheesecake. He loved going out for Mexican and Chinese food and would never pass up a piece of chocolate cake. Bob would insist on making the turkey and stuffing every Thanksgiving. Another love was cars, particularly Jaguars. Other favorites included jacuzzis, history, reading, keeping up on current events, Barbra Streisand, Julia Roberts, loud Hawaiian shirts, and ice tea.

Bob was a political person and a staunch democrat, although he did love John McCain. He was a delegate at the 1976 Democratic Convention, worked on RFK’s campaign and marched for civil rights with MLK Jr. during college. Family events were always full of lively political discussions. Bob was also active in the local Jewish community, and he and Jean were members of Congregation Shir Ha-Ma'alot.

Family was very important to Bob. He was a loving and nurturing husband, taking Jean to hundreds of medical appointments over 15 years following her cancer diagnosis, making sure she was comfortable, but also keeping her spirits up by whisking her away on cruises and other fun excursions. He was also an involved father and grandfather, loved going to kids softball, baseball and soccer games, and would not hesitate to get down on the floor to play legos. Bob loved to laugh and have a good time. He would always greet you with a big smile. We, family and friends, are grateful for the time we had with Bob. We will miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, Bob asked that donations be made to Hoag Hospital, in gratitude for the excellent care they provided to Jean while she was undergoing cancer treatment.

A graveside service for Bob will be held Sunday, July 14, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Pacific View Memorial Park - Cedarlawn, 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar, California 92625.