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Robert Graham Obituary
Graham, who had been ailing, died Saturday at the Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center and Orthopaedic Hospital with his family at his side, including his wife, Academy Award-winning actress Anjelica Huston, the governor's office confirmed.
"Robert was an amazing sculptor who forever shaped the presence of sculpture art throughout California and the world. His work was truly influential and he will forever remain an icon in this state," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said in a statement. He said he and his wife, Maria Shriver, were deeply saddened by Graham's death.
In Washington, Graham's bronze sculptures mark the Roosevelt memorial, where bronze panels symbolize the 54 social programs that were initiated under the president's New Deal. Graham also create d the life-size, bronze figure of President Roosevelt in his wheelchair at the entrance of the memorial.
In Detroit, Graham's Joe Louis Memorial honors the boxer with a 24-foot bronze monument in the shape of a massive fist and forearm suspended from a pyramid structure.
His 18-foot monument to jazz great Charlie Parker, depicting the musician's head above the words "Bird Lives," is in Kansas City, Mo.
In New York City's Central Park, Graham's Duke Ellington Memorial stands 30 feet high, with three columns topped with the muses holding up an 8-foot figure of the musician next to a piano.
Graham designed a number of prominent works in Los Angeles, including the "Great Bronze Doors" of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. The 25-ton entryway was completed over 5 years by about 150 artists.
Another work in Los Angeles is "Olympic Gateway," comprising the headless figures of a musclebound man and a woman. It marks the entryway to the Memorial Coliseum, where the 1984 Olympics were held.
Earlier this month, Graham was inducted into the California Museum's California Hall of Fame.
Graham, born in Mexico City in 1938, was educated at San Jose State College and the San Francisco Art Institute.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
58 Entries
Erin Harris
August 30, 2024
I just found out my mom, Lyda Harris, who was Lyda Bañuelos then, went to high school with Robert. They were in the same art class. My mom had sculpted a mermaid and the teacher put it on public display at their school. But it was Robert´s name on the art piece! My mom never made a fuss about it. She is patient like that. He did some beautiful work. RIP
Sonya Armfield
April 2, 2023
My condolences. But his character lives on in the sculptures he graced us with.
Steven Graham
December 22, 2018
Dad, Its now 10 years since you left us. Missing you every day, and especially this time of year. I know how much you enjoyed Christmas, and you spent your last unconscious in hospital, despite some of your last words wanting me to bring you home for the holidays...I wish I could have❤
Love & Miss you Dad
December 6, 2015
For You Robert
How you can show support
Steven Graham
February 6, 2015
I miss and love you Dad ??
joey graham
March 29, 2013
We think of you and miss you every day.
Love, Steven and Joey
Jeff Bodie
February 28, 2009
Sorry to learn of Roberts passing. He was always so kind and generous with his time.
Millie Medora
January 21, 2009
I met Robert in the 70's and I have seen quite a bit of his work done in California. He was indeed a gifted man. My prayers are with you Steven. God Bless.
Love,
Aunt Millie
Nina Kallas
January 12, 2009
Deepest love and sympathy to the Graham family. My mother (Esther Perez) from San Jose, Ca. was a very dear and loved friend to "Robertito's" mom and aunt. Adelina Graham was my godmother and he would often watch over me as our mothers visited. My hero forever. He will always be in our hearts and prayers.
francisco pimentel
January 8, 2009
I had the pleasure of meeting Roberts mom Adelina and his aunt Mercedes around 1984 in Santa Monica my mom was there friend, while visiting them at there apartment Robert came in to visit his mother, There is when I first meet him he was so polite and curtius really he never forgot his roots and was allways a gentleman, he will be truly missed. From The Pimentel Family our symphathy and prayers to his family.
Joseph Aiello
January 8, 2009
I met Robert in high school,and we became great friends.We shared in many great times , from music, art, a club we belonged to ,and just having a great time. I talked to robert a few before and he said that he felt fine, and asked for us to come down ,and we were going when we heard that he had become illI, and then passed.I am going to miss him verry much he was a great freind ,but he was a greater person.Love you buddy
Felicia Hernandez
January 8, 2009
Bob's memorial service for was truly a celebration of his life. It was a perfect tribute to the most gracious man, brilliant sculptor and dear friend. It has been a blessing to have worked with him and I am forever grateful for the honor he has bestowed on my family. My condolences to Anjelica, Steven, and the RGStudio family. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Katherine Timme
January 6, 2009
“Nous avons toute la vie pour nous amuser. Nous avons toute la mort pour nous reposer.”
Bob has now accomplished both. He was an amazing artist and friend. How very sad for so many of us. Besides joining my husband Robert who surely awaits him with a sketchbook in that unknown world, he joins the likes of Michelangelo and Botticelli. What conversations they must be having.
My sincere and deepest condolences to you Angelica, Steven and the family.
Marlys Malnaa
January 6, 2009
I met Bob in 1959, since then my
sister Joey has kept me updated on
all of his important events and there have been so many. May God watch over all who knew and loved him.
Kristen Strong
January 6, 2009
Condolences to Mr. Graham's friends and loved ones.
Mary Guzzetti
January 5, 2009
My prayers are with you all Anjelica
Joey and Steven. Bob will be missed.
Pat alway wanted to find the time to talk the artist talk with Bob, now they both have the time
Deb & Jeff Towner
January 4, 2009
I am saddened to hear of Uncle Bob's passing. I was the flower girl at his wedding to my Aunt Joey. I remember him as fun & gentle man. Our prayers are with Anjelica, Steven, Joey & Mac
Madelyn Abasolo, Nevarez
January 3, 2009
I went to Grant, Peter Burnett and San Jose High, with Robert. He had such a marvelous gift, and he used it wisely. Even though he has passed on, his work will live on forever. He will always live on in the minds and hearts of the people that loved him dearly.
Joey Graham
January 3, 2009
I met Bob when he was 18 yrs. old, in the air force and an artist. He was an extraordinary man, a great artist and a loving father. He adored his son, Steven, and they worked together for the last 30 yrs. It is with great sadness that we bid farewell to "Dad", our leader. His friend, Ed Moses, called him "A Golden Man". Indeed he was and we will miss him dearly. Truly, we are devastated with our loss and send love to all of you who are sharing our grief. Joey and Steven Graham
Anna Chavez
January 2, 2009
I knew Bob through my brother Alan Guzzetti. They were good friends & had a lasting friendship. Bob would visit us with Alan once in a while back in the fifties and sixties. He was a sweet and gentlemanly person. He left a wonderful legacy and will be sorely missed. My condolences to Anjelica, Steven and Joey. God Bless you.
David Reynard
January 2, 2009
Robert was my uncle and I am truly sorry to hear of his passing. I only met him once when I was in L.A. back in 1980. He took my sister and I to a premier showing of "The Empire Strikes Back"
My condolences to my Aunt Joey, my Cousin Steven, and to Anjelica.
Alan Guzzetti
January 2, 2009
Bob was my oldest friend - we go back over sixty years. In recent years, I was priviledged to see him once or twice a year and it was always a joyful reunion. I was devestated when joey, his first wife, first told me of his illness. Then, the news got worse as the months passed, and finally he was out of misery. My deepest condoleces go to Anjelica, as well as Joey and her son Steven who must now carry on without him. Thank God for all of his inspiration and the wonderful legacy he left for us.
Marcella (Wallace) Lorfing
January 2, 2009
I remember Bob fondly also, particularly from an incident during a history test in Dr. George's class (world history or geography--I forget which). While we were all busily scribbling our answers on the test paper, Bob simply sat there and drew pictures of tiny people--all over the page. When he saw Bob's paper, Dr. George asked him, "What are these, Bob, inhabitants?" I'll bet that test paper would be worth a lot today!
Angie Churchill
January 2, 2009
I am saddened to hear of Robert Graham passing away. I knew him as Bob Pena. He went to San Jose High school with my son Carl Churchill. And came to acouple of birthday parties at my home.May his soul rest in peace and may Perpetual Light shine upon him.Angelica may the Lord grant you strenght to bear with your grief.
Fidel Estrada
December 31, 2008
When I lived in San Jose, I was able to see one of his sculptures in the center of San Jose infront of the St. Clair Hotel and the Montgomery theater. The sculpture is a representation of the Aztec god, Quetzalcoatl. Many in San Jose were not happy with his representation, however, Mr. Graham will be forever linked to San Jose's past and future through his sculpture--a living reminder of who he was. May you rest in peace and prayers and thoughts to his family and friends.
Emily
December 31, 2008
I feel shocked for Robert's death. And feel sorry for Anjelica and his family. I hope they will be strong...
And rest in peace, Robert. You live in our memory already
sandra mathews
December 30, 2008
i was in 2 art classes with bob in mr briggs art class. he was always there to help others. his life will always be here in many ways....
Sonya Armfield
December 30, 2008
You will be missed.
Sonya Armfield
December 30, 2008
We are very sorry to hear about Robert. The promise at John 5:28,29 always brings us comfort.
C&L Green
Marrero, LA
Robert "Bob" Ramirez
December 30, 2008
I was saddened this weekend, when I learned of Bob’s passing. We have been friends since the mid-1950’s, when I knew him simply as Bob Pena. We were members of a local teenage group of guys, looking for a name for ourselves … as one would think, being the artist that we have all now known him to be, he offered up the name for us … the “Abstracts” … as the name implied, we were all unique. We reconnected again while serving in the United States Air Force … we were both stationed at Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming. Knowing Bob as a young and talented artist, it is no wonder that he has earned such fame and world-renown … it has been a joy to watch him create and earn the acclaim of an international artist … I send my deepest condolences to his wife, Angelica, and to his family .
December 30, 2008
Please except my condolence and May this Scriptrue bring you comfort Revelation 5:28,29
December 30, 2008
Please except my condolenceand my and May this scriptrue bring you comfort Revelation 5:28,29
Henryk Zaleski USN (Ret)
December 30, 2008
The gaze of statute is forever. Rest in peace.
Cheri Johansen
December 29, 2008
Bob was my Uncle and I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My sincere sympathy to my Cousin Steven and to Angelica and to the rest of the family. What a great artist the world has lost. I am fortunate to have several of his pieces of work and will treasure them forever. He will now rest in peace.
Juanita Norwood
December 29, 2008
May God hold Mr. Graham in His memory and bless the family behind.
Psalms 83:18
Maddie Egli-Gonyea
December 29, 2008
My most sincere condolences to Anjelica Huston and family. ?
Leilani Simmons
December 29, 2008
I was fortunate to see a recent exhibit in L.A. Truly beautiful and thought-provoking. Condolences to his family.
Carl E. Churchill
December 29, 2008
Sorry for the loss of a dear classmate and friend. I knew him as Bob Peña, as he was my neighbor during our Junior High and High School years. He was a great sculptor and artist! My heartfelt condolences to all his family! You'll be missed Bob, but never forgotten!
Kay Scamporrino
December 29, 2008
Sorry for the loss of a dear high school classmate, thought of him often.
Connie Rodriguez-Plata
December 29, 2008
I was very sorry to hear about Robert Graham. I knew him as Bob Pena at San Jose high school. I got to see some of his work in Los Angeles. he was a great sculptor and he will be missed greatly by all artists. My heartfelt condolenes to all his familly.
Gene & Toni impey
December 29, 2008
A big lose, We only knew Robert as BOB Pena at San Jose High in 1956. His name came up often and we are all happy to have known him in are owen small way. Good by BOB!
Lelde Patvalds-Gilman
December 29, 2008
I remember Robert from our high school days at SJHS, quiet, always drawing, purposeful, serious, shy. I thought that he lived for art, i still treasure a small drawing he made of me while in geometry class. I am sad that he can no longer create, but enriched by what he did create.
Lisa Curtis
December 29, 2008
I was shocked to find out that Robert had died. I saw him a couple of weeks ago and he looked great. He truly was a great sculptor of this time and will be missed for his extraordinary works. God has a true angel now. May God Bless Angelica and the rest of the family. You are at peace now.
Sylvia Mastandrea
December 29, 2008
My deepest condolences to his wife, Angelica Houston & his son.
He was an amazing sculpture artist.
k g
December 29, 2008
I'm very sorry to hear about Robert Graham. May the family find comfort and hope in God's word during this time of grief. Revelation 21:4
Letty Graham
December 29, 2008
My dear cousin Robert was a life-force that I will never forget. I am sure that my aunts Adelina and Mercedes, my grandmother Ana and my father Carlos were there to welcome him home!
Barbara Leif
December 29, 2008
I was shocked to read of the death of Robert Graham this morning on the front page of the Los Angeles Times.
We are lucky enough to own a Graham sculpture and a signed poster from a photo show. I admire his work greatly and this is a personal loss. I was so happy that I got to meet Robert Graham at the opening party for his doors. He created such beautiful pieces and this is a great loss to the art world and to the public as well as to his family.
SHEILA SMITH
December 29, 2008
Condolences to the family. Rest in Peace Robert.
Samella Harris
December 28, 2008
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
J. D.
December 28, 2008
I am very sorry for your loss. You have my deepest sympathy. He was recognized as an icon to many. His contributions to others showed that he enjoyed life. Almighty God who is perfect in memory, has no problem remembering the life patterns of those who have died. God gives us hope of seeing our loved ones again. He being the source of life, gives us this promise at John 5: 28&29.
December 28, 2008
What an amazing sculptor, and an amazing man!
DDO / Illinois
Catherine
December 28, 2008
My Condolences.
A Life Well Lived.
Catherine
D, ZIMMERMAN
December 28, 2008
REST IN PEACE, ROBERT GRAHAM
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