Robert Henry Eggert

1934 - 2022

1934 - 2022 Robert Henry Eggert passed away peacefully of natural causes at the age of 87 on the evening of 12 January 2022, in Newport Beach, California. He is survived by Barbara, wife of 64 years, his brother (John), three sons (Steven, Michael, Glenn), and seven grandchildren. His parents, Henry Eggert and Julia Eggert, and his sister Bonnie Bell, predeceased him.
His friends called him Bob, and his family lovingly knew him as Poppy. Born in Glendale, Bob was raised in Newport Beach. He lived on the beachfront and spent his childhood swimming the ocean and sailing the bay.
He attended Newport Harbor High School, was an All-League football player, and served as the student body president. He then headed to UCLA, graduating in 1957 with a major in Theater Arts. He pledged the Sigma Pi fraternity, which lead to meeting his wife, Barbara. They were married on 19 June 1957, in her hometown of Glendale.
After college, Bob joined the US Navy. As an intelligence officer, he served in the Pacific Fleet on USS Lexington, USS Midway, and USS Coral Sea aircraft carriers. After active duty, he continued to serve another 17 years in the US Naval Reserve, retiring in 1977, with rank of Commander.
After active duty, Bob got to work in the private sector, building a successful 40+ year career. As a public relations expert, he left his mark at Rockwell International, Disneyland, and Southern California Gas Company. On the side, Bob also guest lectured at Golden West College, and served his community through numerous Chambers of Commerce's, the Rotary Club of Pomona, the United Way, and the Los Angeles County Fair Association. A particular passion was serving as a volunteer reader for the Recording for the Blind.
For Bob Eggert, his career sustained life, but did not fill it. His family, and his devotion to his wife, children, and grandchildren, is what truly filled his cup. His adoration for his wife, Barbara, anchored it all. Married 64 years, and inseparable for most of it, their life together was a living example of the greatest gifts of marriage itself: companionship, passion, and purpose.
Throughout their life together, their journey led them to San Diego and Whittier. But Fullerton is where they would put down roots. After 44 years in Fullerton, eventually their path led back to Newport Beach, to be closer to family.
Without question, Bob Eggert considered his family to be his most significant life accomplishment. He thrived as both a father and grandfather, investing a large part of his time later in life towards their development. He was present, listened, taught, and became an integral part of their lives.
In the end, Bob Eggert spent his final day watching the sunrise, looking out on the ocean and his childhood neighborhood from the best view at Hoag Hospital, sharing his wisdom, laughing with his grandchildren, listening to his favorite music, eating his favorite ice cream, without pain, and holding Barbara's hand. It was a perfect exit to a great life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Robert Henry Eggert Memorial Fund at the Newport Harbor Educational Foundation to support programs at his alma mater, Newport Harbor High School.
Checks may be sent to Robert Henry Eggert Memorial Fund, Newport Harbor Educational Foundation, 600 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach, CA 92663 or online at www.SupportNHHS.com