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ROBERT GNAIZDA Obituary

GNAIZDA--Robert, a pioneering civil rights lawyer, died on July 11, 2020 in San Francisco, surrounded by loving family. He was 83. He was an exceptional man: a fighter for justice, an advocate for the underdog, a family man, and an insatiable lover of chocolate. He is survived by his wife Claudia Viek, his sons Josh and Matt Gnaizda, and his granddaughter August Gnaizda.

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Published by New York Times on Jul. 15, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT GNAIZDA

15 Entries

Heidi Gedman Lorne

December 8, 2024

I am so sorry to hear of Robert´s passing. I remember first meeting the Ganze´s family at our garden center in Mill Valley
He loved bring the boys to stroll through and observe all the plants. Feel blessed that I was was a small part in this beautiful family. RIP Robert

william h hastie

July 17, 2021

Bob was a treasured friend, a robust colleague and an extraordinary teacher. We first met in May or June of 1969 when he offered me a summer job as a student researcher for him at California Rural Legal Assistance headquarters in San Francisco. His boundless personal enthusiasm, total commitment to change and unrelenting focus were central in shaping me into the person and lawyer I became. I feel fortunate to have reconnected by phone with him just a few years ago after a twenty year gap. Like one of the other message senders I still have and treasure my IGAS card. Our incredible success in diversifying CA police and fire departments and so much more would not have happened without him.

He was a mensch with few equals.

Danny Bittker

August 9, 2020

Hi, My name is Danny Bittker, and my father was Boris I. Bittker , who taught at the Yale Law School for many years. He was a great admirer of Bob, and when I moved to San Francisco my father gave me Bob's name and number. I don't think we actually ever met, perhaps only speaking on the phone. Anyhow just wanted to check in and send my condolences. He sounds like he was an extraordinary man, and I wish family and friends all best wishes.

Stephen Quan

July 30, 2020

50 ish years ago Bob was my neighbor in Berkeley. The Quan kids helped you move in, learned to play darts your deck, took Poco on walks, became card carrying members of the, "International Giraffe Appreciation Society", and we were sad when you sold the house moved on. I hope you are at peace and your family finds solace in knowing that you left smiles on many faces.

Jen Bonardi

July 28, 2020

I was Bob's Executive Assistant at Greenlining at the turn of the millennium. He is the most extraordinary person I've ever known. He and I loved movies so once, to commend me for a good job, he got me a ticket to see the epic movie "Sunshine" and drove me to the theater, which was pretty far away. It was the perfect gift. I spent two seders with him and his family. I'm not Jewish, so at the end of the seder, he let me bring home "The Symbolic Ham." (I later learned from my Jewish friends that that's not a thing.) He praised my work as much as possible and he never, ever got mad when I made a big mistake. Truly, there will never be another Bob.

Donna Tanoue

July 25, 2020

Aloha from Hawaii —
I just learned of Bob’s passing, and wish to extend my condolences to Bob’s family. I worked with Bob a number of years ago to fight against payday lending. I remember well how passionate, forceful and eloquent he was, as he criticized certain forms of payday lending for undercutting the efforts of people to get ahead and undermining communities by draining financial resources from low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. I join with his family, friends and colleagues in celebrating Bob and all that he did to help so many.
Donna Tanoue, Former Chairman, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)

Emil De Guzman

July 22, 2020

We are proud Bob was a friend and lawyer for the Filipino community. He challenged systemic discrimination in promotions the SF city Filipino civil servants . He won Filipino CPA accountants reciprocity in California. A brilliant attorney and negotiator, he outmaneuvered his adversaries to champion concessions that led to the collapse of the walls of inequality and racism. He will be greatly missed and we extend deep sympathy for the loss to his family.

John Motroni

July 19, 2020

I must have interviewed Bob two hundred times during the decades of his life. A wonderful person who never waivered in his fight for equality and justice. My condolences to his family.

Simone Taylor

July 18, 2020

No one can prepare you for a loss; it comes like a swift wind. However, take comfort in knowing God is with you and your family lean on him in your time of need. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences.

Eric Brazil

July 17, 2020

In a lifetime of newspaper reporting and editing, I never met a more energetic, dedicated, effective legal advocate for the disadvantaged than my friend Bob Gnaizda. He abides in my memory as an exemplary human being.

Wilma Espinoza

July 16, 2020

When Bob Gnaizda and John Gamboa founded the Greenlining Institute, they hired me to help with the fund development function. They were great to work with; every proposal we wrote was funded. I always knew that it was not due to my terrific writing. Bob and John were great advocates and negotiators. The written proposal just sealed the deal. I extend my condolences to Bob's family. I'm so glad that I got to know him.

Jon Haber

July 16, 2020

I spent a year working for Bob at Public Advocates in 1981 while I was a third year law student. He was an extraordinary individual with a deep commitment to justice -- who understood better than most how to combine legal, political and media strategies to win cases and expand rights. Although I had not seen Bob for many years, he was and is a role model for me who helped shape my career and approach to public policy.

STEVEN PASSIN

July 15, 2020

Bob was my boss when I was deputy health director for California. He always had confidence in me and guided me through the tough decisions I had to make every dayalways adding wisdom on principles of justice. He was my touch point when it came to interfacing with Gov. Brown and always offered sage advice. His guidance shaped my work ethic and understanding of people.

Henry Der

July 14, 2020

Claudia, Josh, Matt and family - I extend my heartfelt condolences to you all on the passing of your husband, father and grandfather. Bob was a brilliant, creative strategist for social justice, able to bring together diverse racial/ethnic leaders groups to achieve mutually shared employment, economic and community development goals. His mind was forever active, always figuring out new strategies and tactics to pressure corporate, banking, insurance and governmental leaders to be more responsive to marginalized communities. It was very difficult to say "no" or disagree with him whenever he launched a new activity to secure social justice. Working at Chinese for Affirmative Action, I deeply appreciated his support and insights, and the many opportunities to work with the Greenlining Coalition partners. We learned a lot from each other because Bob fostered alliances and collaboration to break down barriers to fairness and equality. For those of us who were able to know and work with him, we are better persons and community members because Bob demonstrated how one can deploy and leverage one's educational attainment for the Greater Good in the most fulfilling manner possible. With sympathy and fond memories of Bob - Henry Der

David Bracker and Kathy Kenny

July 14, 2020

Weve just heard about Bobs passing. Our deepest condolences to Claudia, his sons and granddaughter, and to the many who called him a friend and colleague. We hope you find comfort in the knowledge that Bobs exemplary life, his many achievements and his enormous social justice legacy will live on.
David Bracker and Kathy Kenny

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