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Robert Orenstein Obituary
Robert was a brilliant, kind, funny, quirky and generous person, much beloved by his friends and students all over the world.
He believed in the goodness of people and trusted everyone. He gave much energy and resources helping people. He traveled extensively and had more good friends than most people have in several lifetimes.
He was a loving son to Marilyn and Larry (Lawrence) Orenstein, brother to Laura, brother-in-law to Nick, uncle to Oliver, and much loved cousin. He was a father and father figure to Reign, Rene and Rapha.
Born and raised in LA (Sherman Oaks), CA, Rob got his degree in computer science at Cal (Berkeley). In the 80's Rob studied Neural Networks as a HyperCard consultant. In 1989 he designed 'NeuralStacks One' called Letter Learner which won him a Macworld SuperStacks contest. He worked at Ingres/Relational Technology and was a web architect for 12 years at Perforce Software. While there he made lifelong friendships and became a godparent.
In 2009, Rob moved to Kampala, Uganda, where he founded S7, teaching computer programming to young adults. His love of food led him to open the Mexican food café Little Donkey, which was a favorite among locals and visitors alike. He also opened Tribute Burger, featuring his favorite burgers from around the world.
Rob loved his friends and he loved being a dad later in life.
He loved books and read extensively. He was an avid NYTimes reader. Rob enjoyed performing magic tricks, solving brain teasers and playing board games with friends.
He was a seeker and found God in mid-life. He was always game for an adventure.
Despite his brilliant mind and the love of many, Rob struggled with depression and he self-medicated. The isolation from the first year of covid lock-down, along with other factors, conspired to rob him of his life at the age of 61. He died from an accidental overdose tainted with fentanyl.
He left a huge void in the hearts of many. Robert was one-of-a-kind, gone too soon.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Orenstein
3 Entries
Kevin Harris
May 17, 2025
Rob and I were best friends from K-4th, and stayed in the same friends group through junior high and high school. He was one of the most creative minds I knew in our early days. I too had no idea he passed, as I've lived outside of CA for the past 38 years. So sad to hear this news, and condolences to his sister Laura. I have fond memories of the time I spent with him and his parents, Larry and Marilyn in Sherman Oaks.
Jeffery Purchin
May 8, 2025
Rob was my first friend from pre school days. I had no idea he passed away. He was such a smart person. Definitely will miss him
James M Mahoney
September 21, 2022
Very sorry to belatedly see this sad news. Robert was a good and kind man who always lifted everyone's spirits with his wit and humor. There are not many who would give up a lucrative job to travel to Africa to help those in need. May he receive a heavenly reward for his efforts.
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