Robert 'Bob' Joseph Sheraga

November  6th, 1945 February  25th, 2025
Fullerton, California
Robert 'Bob' Joseph Sheraga

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.

Obituary

Robert 'Bob' Joseph Sheraga, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on February **, 2025, at the age of 79 after courageously battling pancreatic cancer for over 20 months. Born on November 6, 1945, in St. Louis, Missouri, Bob made Fullerton, California, his home for the past 53 years. Throughout his life, he built a career he was proud of as a dedicated and accomplished software engineer, always prioritizing providing for his family and leaving a legacy of financial security, ensuring their well-being for generations to come.

Bob was a man of quiet strength, steadfast principles, and resolute determination. Recognized for his sharp intellect and reflective nature, he took pride in his cherished collections, prioritized family and education, and found joy in simple pastimes like watching TV and movies. Though he set high standards for himself and others, his demanding nature stemmed from a genuine care and a deep desire to see those around him succeed. His humble beginnings instilled a sense of frugality and a cautious approach to spending, yet he had a deep appreciation for quality and was willing to invest in meaningful items, particularly his treasured collectibles. Bob’s passion for collecting was both vast and diverse, beginning with rocks and gems in his early years and cultivating an impressive collection of Franklin Mint Silver over 35 years, engaging in the process of acquiring new pieces and selling older ones through eBay. His passions expanded to include intricately crafted pocket knives, decorative handcrafted boxes, Wyland sculptures and more.

Traveling the country and enjoying its natural beauty with his beloved wife, Susan, was a cherished part of his life. They loved cruising and visiting destinations like Alaska, Hawaii, and Las Vegas. Although he was not adventurous with food, he delighted in exploring new places, admiring the sights, and discovering unique treasures along the way. Throughout their 55 years of marriage, Bob and Susan built a life rooted in love and unwavering partnership. Their journey was not without its share of arguments and frustrations, yet they remained deeply connected and devoted to one another. Raising their two daughters, Debbie and Nancy, witnessing their marriages, and cherishing the joy of having 4 grandchildren brought immense happiness to their lives.

Bob’s legacy lives on through his family, even as the Sheraga name ends with him, as the last male of the lineage. He was a man of pride and strong-willed determination, leaving a lasting impression on those who knew him. Though he is no longer with us, his presence will be felt in the lives he touched. His family invites friends and loved ones to honor his memory by cherishing their own moments together and reflecting on a life well lived.

Timeline

1945
November 6th
Born in St. Louis, MO
Born to William & Catherine Sheraga, he was the only boy with 2 sisters. He grew up in a boarding house that was a converted funeral home and met a lot of interesting people that stayed with them. He lived in St. Louis through undergraduate college.
St. Louis, MO)
1961
June
Trip of 'Firsts'
As a Junior in High School, he won a prestigious award for 'Best Science Student' in the greater St. Louis area, that earned him an all expenses paid trip to Bell Laboratories in New Jersey. His science teacher chaperoned him on this special once-in-a-lifetime trip with extra time to spend sight-seeing in New York. He recalls seeing newly released West Side Story in a movie theater in NYC and touring Manhattan on a boat cruise. Bell Laboratories, at the time, was one of the most prestigious research labs in the country. Bob was extremely proud of his paperweight souvenir with a transistor that commemorated this special trip of firsts. First time traveling out of his hometown; first time on an airplane; first time staying in a hotel; first time eating at a nice restaurant.
New Jersey/New York
1967
May
Graduated College 🎓 
B.S. Computer Science, Washington University. He started as a Physics major, but quickly changed to a new type of field called computer science. 
St. Louis, MO
1969
May
Graduate School 
M.S. Computer Science, Stanford University. He didn't get to spend much time on campus as there was a lot going on with the Vietnam war. He barely managed to not have to be enlisted to serve due to his poor eyesight and got to continue going to school.
1969
June 22nd
Married Susan Marcia Carll
With a traditional Jewish wedding, Bob & Sue were married in a hotel in California. The wedding party included Bob's best man and long-time friend David Bagby along with 2 other friends and Sue's maid-of honor, Rosecarrie Goslins (Brooks), Kate Bagby, and Bob's sister Shirley. Sue's father, Nathan Carll, was there to give away the bride.
Pasadena, CA
1971
September 25th
Moved into House
Bob & Sue purchased their first and only house together. They lived in their house on Sandalwood Ave and have never moved. It has been remodeled many times throughout the years. Bob really enjoyed having modern decor, 'hotel' like finishings and liked his super sized televisions.
Fullerton, CA
1972
January 6th
First Child Born
Bob and Sue welcome their first daughter - Debra (Debbie) Gail Sheraga.
Debbie later married Alan Cobb and had 2 daughters - Sarah and Sydney.
Lakewood, CA
1974
November 6th
Second Child Born
Their second daughter, Nancy Lynn Sheraga was born on a very special day - Bob's Birthday!
Nancy later married Greg Lipnickey and has 2 children - Fen and Jaxon.
Lakewood, CA
2012
January
Retired from 40+ year career in software engineering
Bob had a long career with only a few companies. He started at Cal Comp in Anaheim, was with JRS Laboratories for most of his career, followed by 10 years at Boeing, where he retired from.
2019
June 22nd
50th Wedding Anniversary Cruise
Bob & Sue wanted to share their love of cruising to Alaska with the whole family. They generously took their 2 daughters, 2 son-in-laws and 4 grandkids on a 7-night cruise through the Alaska inner passage including stops at Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Victoria to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. What a special trip being the last time that Bob's whole family was together.
Alaska
2023
July
Diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer
Within a short time after his diagnosis, he had a Whipple procedure to remove the head of the pancreas and underwent a few months of chemotherapy. He participated in one clinical trial but struggled with the side effects vs. unknown benefit. He did quite well for a time after that, getting very weak, but doing better than doctors expected. After a fall in the garage on Sept 10, 2023 and spending 5 weeks in an assisted living facility, he returned home on Oct 18, 2023. He spent his remaining time in a hospital bed with his loyal wife taking care of him to the very end. He lived much longer than any doctor predicted and made it to his 79th birthday, his last Christmas and into 2025. He was able to say his goodbyes to his family and friends over time and was ready to let go and be in peace.

Photo Gallery


Memory wall

Post your condolences or share your Memories.


January 6, 2025
I'm Bob's sister. Today I am heartbroken, but memories are already flooding back about my wonderful older brother. My sympathies to his family. That's all I can say now. ~ Shirley
Shirley Kennett (née Sheraga)

Family tree

Zvi Hersh Sheraga
Sosa Leder Schneider
Joseph Palcisko
Susan Palcisko
William Sheraga
Catherine Palcisko Sheraga
Susan Carll Sheraga
Shirley Kennett
Maxine Olmstadt
Debbie Cobb
Sarah Cobb
Sydney Cobb
Nancy Lipnickey
Fen Lipnickey
Jaxon Lipnickey
Shirley Kennett
Maxine Olmstadt
Susan Carll Sheraga
Debbie Cobb
Sarah Cobb
Sydney Cobb
Nancy Lipnickey
Fen Lipnickey
Jaxon Lipnickey
Robert 'Bob' Sheraga

Favorites


What was Bob's favorite Travel destination?
He enjoyed cruising, with 15+ cruises, including Alaska 6 times, Mexico, New England, Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean, and Pacific Coastal. He also really enjoyed Hawaii, especially Maui that they visited many times. Las Vegas was another favorite even though, ironically, he didn't gamble or drink at all.
What was Bob's favorite Drink?
Iced Tea with Sweet 'N Low. He didn't like it to get too low and always needed the glass at least half full with tea. He never drank alcohol.
What was Bob's favorite movie genre?
Bob loved science fiction movies. From his favorite classic, Forbidden Planet, to the Star Wars movies, he couldn't pick just one movie as a favorite. He watched a LOT of movies and TV and was one of his main hobbies. He recently shared he especially enjoyed movies with a "good plot and interesting characters". He also liked movies with a lot of action.
What was Bob's proudest moment from his childhood?
When he was a Junior in High School, he won a prestigious award for 'Best Science Student' in the greater St. Louis area, that earned him an all expenses paid trip to Bell Laboratories in New Jersey. His science teacher chaperoned him on this special once-in-a-lifetime trip with extra time to spend sight-seeing in New York. He recalls seeing newly released West Side Story in a movie theater in NYC. They toured around Manhattan on a boat cruise.
What were Bob's favorite collectibles? 
Bob took immense pride in his expertise on vintage Franklin Mint Silver and contributed to curating the informational website https:// franklin-mint-silver.com. He collected for over 35 years, with buying and selling on eBay, at one time or another have owned the majority of the sets ever made.

Service


Please join us to pay a last tribute.
We will come together to remember and pay tribute to Bob. While we mourn the loss of our dear friend, husband, father, grandfather, we also aim to cherish the moments shared and the joy brought into our lives. Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time of remembrance and reflection.
Location
Pacific View Memorial Park and Mortuary
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