Robert George Roman

leaving behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, projects, adventures, and family and friends who loved him dearly.

Bob was born on May 20, 1945, in Stamford, Connecticut, to Anne Dyer Roman and John Gene Roman. He and his brother John enjoyed an active childhood of skiing, fishing, hunting, camping, and exploring the mountains. His curiosity and love of adventure, cultivated in the freedom that came from a youth spent in the great outdoors, never left him.

Bob worked as a lifeguard and graduated from Catholic University, where he was a member of the Alpha Delta Gamma fraternity. He formed friendships there that lasted for decades and that contributed to a lifetime of stories - some of which may have improved with age. He then earned his Master’s Degree at Bowie State College.

In 1967, Bob met and married Jane the following year, the love of his life and mother to their two children, Robert and Melissa. He loved her generous and adventurous spirit, as well as her willingness to take a joke, however good or bad. They parented as a team, encouraging the kids to be the best versions of themselves, even when that meant 4am swim practices.

Bob spent 14 years as a teacher and high school soccer coach. He loved working with young people and had a gift for making learning fun. Long before it became fashionable to reinvent oneself, Bob launched a second career in technology. His work with companies like Four-Phase, 3Com, and Hewlett-Packard brought his family to California where they put down roots.

Bob was a talented woodworker and filled his home with furniture he built. He loved swimming and helped start the swim club at Little Rocky Run when his kids were young. Family vacations usually involved a campground, a lake, a mountain, or all three. Bob was happiest when he was engaged and surrounded by people he loved, particularly when he was building something, fixing something (in his very specific own way), teaching someone, pursuing adventure (even when those adventures ended with scrapes or concussions) - but especially when Jane made her homemade desserts.

In 2005, Bob and Jane moved to Lincoln, California, where he eventually retired. Bob did not slow down in retirement; instead, he treated it as an opportunity to pursue new adventures. He became involved in biking, hiking, dancing, choir, the Democratic Club,

and volunteering at the local food bank. He felt fulfilled meeting new people, learning new things, and being connected to his community.

Bob loved Lake Tahoe, traveling, good conversations, and to laugh or crack a joke. He adored his children and grandchildren and was immensely proud of them. He also had a special place in his heart for his dogs throughout the years, like his loyal companion Jack who always expected daily dedicated fetch time in the backyard, to Bob’s persistent amusement.

We will remember Bob for his kindness, quick wit, sense of humor, and genuine interest in other people. He always had a joke, a great story, or a helping hand, depending on what the circumstance called for. He made us smile. He made us nervous going downhill on his bike or his skis. He was curious and generous. He embraced whatever came next.

Bob is survived by his wife, Jane Roman; his son, Rob Roman (Melissa Wallace Roman); his daughter, Melissa Roman; and his beloved grandchildren, Keely and Dashiell. We imagine him setting off on his next adventure - a new trail, a new card game, or a joke with new (and some old) friends.

We will miss him deeply and remember him with love, always. Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate Bob's life, to remember him with us, 11am on Thursday, August 13, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lincoln, California, followed by a private lunch reception where we’ll share stories and laughter, just as Bob would have wanted. In lieu of flowers, we’d love donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or the Lincoln Hills Foundation, which you can find linked below.