Robert Steven Liss Sr. passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of October 16, 2021 at 76.
Born on June 11, 1945 in San Francisco to Ann and Charles Liss, Bob spent his early years with his brother Jeffrey in the Sunset District and attended Lincoln High School. Growing up surrounded by cousins and children of his parents' friends, he always had a special place in his heart for his extended family. Bob's mother Ann passed away when he was 17 and he was forever grateful to his aunts and uncles who looked out for him and his brother during this time. Bob's father Charlie later married Birdie Applebaum, and over the years Bob forged a special relationship with his step-mother and her family.
Bob attended San Francisco City College and San Francisco State University where he took business classes. He served in the Army Reserves at Ford Ord as a cook. In 1967, Bob married Joanne Cohen with whom he had two children, Robert Steven Jr and Anne. Bob was embraced by Joanne's family and was especially close with her parents Joe and Maxine. He spent 18 years working alongside his late father-in-law at the family business, The House of Sobel. Bob and Joanne ended their marriage in 2000, but their very close friendship remained until his passing. Bob married Carole Rosenberg in 2003 and they enjoyed their time together before they divorced in 2013.
Bob was known for his mischievous sense of humor and he enjoyed weekends in Silverado, trips to Mexico and Palm Springs, spending time at Lake Merced and weekly early movie nights followed by a good restaurant in Marin with a friend or family. Some of Bob's happiest moments were on the tennis court or at the card table. Bob was an active member of the Marin Tennis Club and also served as the club's president. In 1976, Bob combined his passion for tennis and good times with friends into a four-day event in Palm Springs called The Desert Tennis Invitational which he started. Bob enjoyed captaining the Marin Tennis Club Senior Men's USTA 4.0 team for many years; highlights included winning the California Cup in La Quinta, placing 1st in Marin and winning Northern California Sectionals.
Bob never met a card game he didn't like or excel at. He played Bridge almost every day and was a Diamond Life Master. In addition to Bridge, Bob found success at the World Pedro Championship in Lake Tahoe and the United States Open Gin Rummy Championship in Las Vegas.
For Bob, his proudest accomplishments were his children and grandchildren. He was a loving father to Rob and his wife Amy, and his daughter Anne Solomon and her husband Mark, adoring grandfather to Mia and Max, who called him Bob-O.
Bob was preceded in death by his daughter Anne and his brother Jeffrey. He is survived by his son Rob (Amy); son-in-law Mark Solomon; grandchildren Mia and Max; sister-in-law Marie Liss; nephew Todd (Jessica) Liss; great-nephew Levi; as well as countless cousins.
Bob's family wishes to offer a special thanks to The Reutlinger Community who cared for Bob in his final years.
A small private memorial service will be held with family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: California Maritime Academy Foundation, Marine Transportation Program.