Robert Wood

Robert Newell Wood June 24, 1937 ~ Oct. 21, 2009 Former Lafayette Resident Bob passed away at his home in Rossmoor in Walnut Creek, California, at age 72. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years Carly; daughter Carey Lesser (Gregory); sons Michael (Cristina) and Gregory (Brenda); his beloved grandchildren Caroline, Chase, Deacon, Alana and Hunter; sister Pat Perkovich (Steve); and brother Kenneth (Sandy). Bob was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Reginald and Edythe Wood, who predeceased him. Throughout his life, Bob was dedicated to serving the community. He was Student Body President at Fenger High School. He graduated from Northwestern University in 1959 with a bachelor's of science degree in business and a minor in philosophy. While at Northwestern, Bob contributed to multiple organizations, including serving as President of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, participating in Norle-gamma (Junior Men's Honorary Society) and Deru (Senior Men's Honorary Society), and was a student member of the Faculty Governing Committee. He was awarded a certificate for the most outstanding contribution to student government for two of his college years. Bob moved to California to attend Boalt Hall School of Law, from which he received his J.D. in 1962. He practiced law for 39 years, initially as an Alameda County Deputy Public Defender for 3 years, and later at the firm of Donohue, Gallagher, Woods & Wood in Oakland, where he was a partner. Bob received great satisfaction from serving the community of Lafayette in which he raised his family, and the city continues to benefit from his vision and efforts. He was the chairman of Lafayette's Walkways Commission for 5 years. He co-founded the Lafayette Arts & Science Foundation, which supports art, music, technology and science programs in local schools. Bob served as Co-President of the Acalanes High School Parents Club. The Lafayette School Board honored him twice for outstanding service to the students of Lafayette. He enjoyed helping candidates run for office and was the campaign chairman for several city council candidates. He was a member of the California Symphony Board of Directors. He served as a trustee of the Acalanes Union High School District. He was on the board of directors of the California Consortium of Educational Foundations. In 2001, the City of Lafayette recognized Bob as Citizen of the Year for his numerous contributions to the community. A celebration of Bob's life will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, at 4:00pm at the Fireside Room in Rossmoor's Gateway Complex at 1001 Golden Rain Road, Walnut Creek, California. Bob's greatest wish was for the Lafayette Arts & Science Foundation to provide the children of Lafayette with an education that would rival the finest private schools built on the values and support of the public school system. Donations may be made in Bob's honor to the Lafayette Arts & Science Foundation, 3450 Golden Gate Way, Lafayette, CA 94549.