Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Robert Fremont Obituary
Robert S. Fremont who founded both Halo Lighting, Inc, and Juno Lighting, Inc, died February 25 at Eisenhower Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Los Angeles December 23, 1924 to Samuel and Victoria Friedman, Bob and his older brother Phil bonded over a life-long love of music. During World War II, Bob was a clarinet player in Glenn Miller's Air Force Band. In New York, shortly after the war, 22 year-old Bob met 16 year-old Barbara Gerber, and their love story would last 65 years. Married in 1953, they moved to Chicago where they raised their three daughters: Lora, Heidi Fremont Troester and Lisa (Mark Boyle). After graduating from New York University, unable to find work in post-war Los Angeles as Bob Friedman, he changed his name to Fremont and promptly found a job in the lighting business. In 1956 he decided to strike out on his own, and started a recessed lighting company. Halo Lighting grew to be a multi-million dollar corporation which he eventually sold and, missing the excitement of a start-up, began a new business. Juno Lighting followed suit, also becoming hugely successful. Since 1979, Bob and Barbara have split their time between their homes in Deerfield, Illinois (members of Briarwood Country Club) and Rancho Mirage, California (members of Tamarisk Country Club). An avid golfer, Bob participated virtually annually in the Bob Hope Classic, from 1981 through 1996. He is survived by his widow Barbara, three daughters, and grandchildren Ellary, Jesse and Evan Allis; Peter and Grant Troester; and Jake and Claire Boyle. Services will be held at Forest Lawn Mortuaries, 69855 E. Ramon Road, Cathedral City, on February 28, at 10 o'clock. Burial will be at Desert Memorial Park, 31-705 Da Vall Drive, Cathedral City. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Palm Springs Friends of Philharmonic, (760) 341-1013, or the charity of your choice.
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit mydesert.com/obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Fremont
Roy Langley
August 22, 2021
Bob was the brains and the shrewd gentleman behind the organisation that once gave me a break to climb to the top of the UK operation back in the seventies. Sadly the UK end crashed 5 years after I left whereby Bob's inspiration however helped me to create my own subsequent empire in business. Now 81 I remember him clearly. A gentle giant amongst men. Blessings to his remaining family.
Sooky Lapins
February 22, 2021
Bob and I played tennis together regularly. It always amazed me that after the game,he looked like he had just been for a stroll in the park. Nothing out of place and perfectly combed hair. I miss you, Bob.
Derek Try
December 18, 2012
Mrs Freemont, I worked for Bob at the Canadian Halo operation for 20 years and remember Bob as fine gentleman. My sincere condolences. Derek Try.
Fred S. Weintraub
May 6, 2012
The Weintraub Family shares in your loss. Our thoughts of and prayers of love are with you all.
Jack and Phyllis Rosen
March 18, 2012
Barbara,
Jack and I give our heartfelt sympathies to you.
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Vince Biondo
March 15, 2012
Dear Barbara and Family,
Bob was a wonderful man that gave so many people their start at Halo and Juno.
I was fortunate to work with Bob at both companies and am truly grateful that Bob gave me an opportunity to learn the lighting industry. He gave many people their start. He was a wonderful person and will be truly missed. You have both Bonnie and my deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Patrick Murphy
March 15, 2012
Barbara and Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. Working for Juno Lighting it's clear that Bob's vision and passion have benefited thousands of families including my own. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Rich Stam
March 15, 2012
Dear Barbara and Family,
Bob had tremendous impact and offered so much opportunity to the industry and to those of us fortunate enough to work at Juno. We all learned a great deal directly or indirectly from Bob. A great man indeed.
Heather Friedman
March 4, 2012
Aunt Barbara, Mark and I are so deeply saddened by the passing of Uncle Bob. Please know you, Lora, Heidi and Lisa are in our hearts and thoughts. Love Heather Friedman Rivera and Mark Rivera.
February 29, 2012
Barbara, Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I remember when you and Bob joined Ravinia Green Country Club and what a popular couple you were. He will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure to know him.
Sheila Cobrin
Sorrell Lapins
February 28, 2012
Our deepest sympathy. He was a great guy we will never forget.
Lona and Sooky Lapins
Jack Zukerman
February 28, 2012
Barbara ..Please accept my condolences for Bob...What a remarkable man he was..I remember the day he started Halo...I have marveled at his foresight..This industry has lost an icon..He will be missed....
Harry Goldson
February 28, 2012
As a young banker at Exchange National Bank, I was privileged to be part of the beginnings of Halo. Bob was among the brightest and most honorable men I have ever known. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Joel Chemers
February 28, 2012
Dear Barbara and Family, As you do now, I will also miss him. I hope that time will assuage your sadness. Joel Chemers
George Bilek
February 28, 2012
Dear Barbara,
It was an honor to work for Bob during those very successful Juno years. He was indeed a great man.
Peter Wachter
February 28, 2012
Bob Fremont created countless careers in the lighting industry. He brought prosperity to thousands of families inside and outside the empires he created. American businesses and homes are better places for the affordable, attractive, and practical lighting solutions for which he was an ardent champion. In many ways he had his hand on the tiller of the industry. Thank you Bob for the opportunities and the lessons. Barbara and family, though your loss is great please find peace in the knowledge that Bob's visit with us all was time very well spent. Peace be with you.
Michael Rudman
February 28, 2012
Barbara & family:
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. Whenever I saw Bob, he always asked how I was and how my family was doing.He was a kind person. He will be missed
Richard Wyton
February 28, 2012
Barbara and family I am so sorry for your loss. My first job in America was forking for Bob in Rosemont with Halo, and later as a rep for Juno. Many years have passed since, but I will always have fond memories of Bob and the icon that he was in our industry.
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Fremont's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Robert Fremont
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Fremont's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
