Robert Colmon Gulyas

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Colmon Gulyas, Sr. on December 6, 2024, in Palm Desert, California. Born on February 25, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, Bob was the proud son of Hungarian immigrants Zoltan ("Peanuts") and Ann Gulyas.

Bob grew up in Compton and Long Beach, California, alongside his sisters Barbara Swegheimer ("Babs") and baby sister, Marilyn Fuller. His childhood was marked by spirited adventures, including a memorable incident where he surprised his mother by returning from the barbershop with a spiky mohawk.

A dedicated professional, Bob was a renowned machinist and foreman across Los Angeles County, respected for his expertise in the aerospace industry. His diverse career also included working in his father's liquor stores, driving buses for a local school district, court reporting, and real estate. Bob also proudly served in the United States Navy Reserve from 1954 to 1962.

Bob was an avid learner with an inquisitive mind. He was passionate about reading, having collected thousands of rare and first edition books. He spent many hours roaming the aisles of hundreds of bookstores obtaining reading treasures, connecting with treasured author friends (John Connolly), and loved hearing stories from collectors - especially at Book Carnival in Orange, CA. His interests were wide-ranging, including surfing his favorite California Coast beaches in his younger years, to classical guitar, golf, sailing (he even built his own sailboat), Southwestern pottery, and he traveled extensively across the United States. He was a great lover of jazz, classical guitar, and flamenco music. He was moved by great art, good conversation, a well spun story, and always loved sharing a meal with friends and family.

A lover of Hungarian cuisine, Bob enjoyed cooking Gulyas Family recipes like Chicken Paprikash, Gulyas (beef stew), and Töltött Káposzta. He was a movie buff with a particular passion for westerns and detective stories. Bob maintained close connections with his high school classmates through regular coffee meetups, and treasured lifelong friends Neil, Joe, and Steve.

Bob is survived by his sister, Marilyn Fuller (Lynn), and his beloved sons, Robert C. Gulyas, Jr. (Sharon), Cole Gulyas, Joshua Gulyas, Scott King (Carolyn), and Michael Throckmorton. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Rachel Brown (Adam), William Gulyas (Jennifer), Rebekah Gulyas, Cailan Gulyas, Ahren Gulyas, Brooke Gulyas, Bryson King, Madyson King, and James Throckmorton, as well as three great-grandchildren, Joshua Garman, Jonah VanGelder, Samantha Brodsack. Bob is also survived by his niece, Dawn Ann Fuller; his nephew, Andy Fuller; former wife, Gail "Gaye" King; and his dear companion, Shondra Toy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Babs, daughter, Robin Rich, grandson Liam Gulyas, and former wives Sharon Foreman, Diana Ford, and Karen Gulyas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Cabot's Pueblo Museum of Desert Hot Springs and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).