Search by Name

Search by Name

BORN

1952

DIED

2016

Rob Wasserman Obituary

Rob Wasserman, the Grammy Award-winning upright bass player and co-founder of the band Ratdog, has died, according to an announcement on Facebook by Grateful Dead guitarist and vocalist Bob Weir.

Weir’s post said the following: "I'm devastated to pass along that Rob Wasserman lost his struggle today, and we have lost a beautiful friend and artist. I can still hear the sound of his bow playing those strings unamplified and pure. It's one of the most glorious sounds I've ever heard, and the music and warmth he gave us will live on in the hearts of everyone he touched."

A cause of death was not immediately known. The announcement came just hours after Weir posted that Wasserman had been hospitalized, asking for strength and support.

Weir co-founded the band RatDog with Wasserman in 1995. The band mostly played Grateful Dead songs and cover songs by artists such as Bob Dylan.

Click to get weekly celebrity death news delivered to your inbox.

Wasserman studied at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Early in his career, he played with Van Morrison and the Dave Grisman Quintet. He won a Grammy for the song “Brothers” from his 1988 album Duets.

He played with many great musicians including Elvis Costello, Lou Reed, Jerry Garcia and Brian Wilson.
Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Jun. 29, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Rob Wasserman

Not sure what to say?





28 Entries

Jim Bianco

February 17, 2018

Rob was an amazing artist, and I had the pleasure of working for him on occasion during the 1990s. He was generous, kind and a musician who brought so much to his friends and fans. He is greatly missed.

Tim

January 15, 2017

THe best there evver was.

July 26, 2016

My sincere condolences for your loss. Throughout the years, Rob Wasserman knew how to deliver good music with his great talent. Many enjoyed them, others were moved and even touched. May the God of all comfort, be of your Stronghold and endurance during these difficult moments you are dealing with, for He understands the sadness this situation brought to your life.

ken swiner

July 16, 2016

Passed away so young---always in my thoughts----think of all the good times

K J

July 5, 2016

To Rob's family and friends, may you find comfort in knowing that each end is a beginning and strength in the love that is being projected by his memory. His music has touched many and he will live on in our hearts and through his lasting sound.

July 4, 2016

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Kelly Glasser

July 2, 2016

Dear Veronica, Sara, & Family,
My deep sympathy on losing Rob. He was such a sincere, soft-spoken, gem of a man. I will never forget the kindness and time he shared with my husband, Andrew, and I. My thoughts and prayers are for all of you at this difficult time.

veronica ontiveros

July 2, 2016

My deepest sympathy to the family. May God embrace you with his comfort, strength and peace. Psalms 29:11

July 2, 2016

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.

July 2, 2016

Sorry for your loss. May the "Peace of God"(Phillipians 4:6,7) be with you as you cope with such sorrow. Please find solace in the memories you have of Rob and may it help to ease the pain you are feeling.

D Hodges

July 2, 2016

May the wonderful memories of your loved one sustain you until God's promises are fulfilled. (John 6:40)

Jim Lester

July 2, 2016

Rob was the only one who did what he did. Bless the Family.

Joseph Maloney

June 30, 2016

Dear sister Veronica, our deepest sympathy from your family in Virginia, Tennessee, Pennsylvania and new York. As well for the Wasserman family! We love you and miss you! God Bless!! Joseph, Katelyn and family

Ivy Childs

June 30, 2016

Wishing the best to Rob's family. I had the honor of spending a couple of evenings watching him perform, speaking with him and getting signatures on my two of my favorite CD's of all time. In addition to his great talent, Rob was such a wonderful, kind and warm person. He made the world a better place.

Sequoia

June 30, 2016

I met Rob back in 1978, when he frequented my place of work in Mill Valley. He was a wonderful man and an amazing musician, and I am deeply saddened by the news of his passing. Blessings to his family.

Gail Weisman

June 30, 2016

My deepest sympathies on Rob's passing, may the musical memories he made over the years always be a blessing for his loved ones, friends and extended musical family. Rest in peace.

June 30, 2016

So sad about Rob's death- always a gentleman, as well as a fine musician.

Scott Chamberland

June 30, 2016

Rest in Peace

June 30, 2016

Life is so tender, so fragile, so very precious. And no words can rally help to ease the loss you bear. But, may the God of comfort and peace strengthen you during this time of sorrow. Ps. 46:1

DS

June 30, 2016

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

The dS

June 30, 2016

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

June 30, 2016

Thank you for sharing your talent and the beautiful legacy you left behind.

Jill White

June 30, 2016

Rest in peace.

Max Childs

June 30, 2016

It saddens me terribly to loose this wonderful person in the world and a true friend. I was a fan when seeing Rob Wasserman perform with Bob Weir in 1991 and helping him with his stay when I worked in Corte Madera, but befriended him during a lengthy stay at my hotel in Santa Rosa. Since then he was never shy about asking for Friends and Family rates at other hotels but would also invite me to his shows. I even helped carry his bass guitar or sit his dog. He introduced me to other musicians and his family. I feel really close and mournful. I don't know why, but he managed to keep me in mind and I will always keep him in mine. My thoughts are with his family and fans.

June 29, 2016

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results

Make a Donation
in Rob Wasserman's name

How to support Rob'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
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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 more
Resources 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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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 more
Ways to honor Rob Wasserman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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

Sponsored