Roberta Gold

Roberta Gold obituary, Rockville, MD

Roberta Gold

Roberta Gold Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 21, 2025.
Roberta Lee Gold (1958 - 2025)

On February 24th, Roberta Gold at age 66 passed away at her home in Rockville, Maryland.

Roberta's love and enthusiasm for nature was nourished by those memorable summers near Stinson Lake at Camp Wunnegen, New Hampshire, where she was awarded, "Best All-Around Camper" in 1971 accompanied by her cherished inscribed canoe paddle. To know Roberta was soon to know the formative and lasting influence of that New Hampshire camp on her identity and joy for life.

A graduate of West Orange High School, Roberta attended the University of Maryland and earned her degree in Recreational Studies with High Honors. The first milestone in her professional journey was as a quick study Veterinary Assistant at the Clinton Animal Hospital and the home of her beloved, adopted Mama Cat. Then, on to the Clearwater Nature Center, as an Assistant Naturalist, where Roberta's love of nature and enthusiasm flourished as a nature guide to visitors, young and old. The Nature Center was the steppingstone to a joyous and satisfying position at FONZ, Friends of the National Zoo, where her personable, enthusiastic nature and organizational skills were soon recognized as Program Assistant, Volunteer Coordinator, and Assistant Manager of Human Resources. Of the many highlights of her time at the Zoo were the planning and organizing of Seal Day and, among other public events, guiding a tour of the African Savannah in Kenya and Tanzania, and participating in IMATA, the International Marine Animal Training Association. FONZ provided many opportunities and forged many lifelong friendships that Roberta cherished.

Ari, an avid birdwatcher and unwitting matchmaker, meets Roberta, a Park Naturalist, and their lifelong bond is secured. Roberta is introduced to Michael and the rest is history - married in 1984 at Newton White Manor and soon thereafter in 1989 the proud parents of Jonathan Gold Rapport.

Roberta is survived by her husband, Michael Rapport; son, Jonathan Rapport (Jillian); stepson, Ari Rapport (Tracy), and a bevy of grandchildren, Alia, Asher, Noa, Emmy, and Cole; also survived by her sisters, Anne Rand (Michael) and Margie Gold; her stepsisters Rhoda Wisman (Jack), Lynne Facher; and by nieces and nephews, Dara Glenn (David), Jory Rand (Marci), Aaron Hoffman (Jenna), and Kyla Hoffman. Roberta was predeceased by parents David Gold and Sonya Facher and stepfather Irving Facher; also predeceased by her beloved pets, Mama Cat and Ginger.

Roberta's good nature, enthusiasm, sense of humor, and the wild and wonderful universe that she embraced will surely be missed by all. Roberta has requested family and friends might donate to the charities and organizations she supported, including ASPCA (www.ascpa.org), Clearwater Nature Center (www.pgparks.com), IMATA (imata.org), Moosilauke Ravine Lodge (https://outdoors.dartmouth.edu), Foundation for Jewish Camp (www.jewishcamp.org), and Earthday (www.earthday.org).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Roberta Gold's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 2, 2025

Phil Kemelor posted to the memorial.

March 31, 2025

Dave Berger posted to the memorial.

March 31, 2025

Larry Sprague posted to the memorial.

Phil Kemelor

April 2, 2025

I met Roberta sometime in college. We had friends in common and I have a hazy memory of a bunch of us driving from College Park to the Olney Ale House on a few occasions because I think it was one of her favorite places.

It probably wasn´t until 20 years later that I´d say we became good friends. I had recently moved up to DC from NC and I´m not sure how (my memory isn´t that great), but Roberta called me because she found out that I had just moved not too far away from where she and Michael lived. It was a great "blast from the past" type of thing and for the next many years, Roberta, Michael and Jonathan and my family shared good times.

When Roberta learned that my 90 year old grandmother lived nearby and loved to play Scrabble, she got totally excited and we all got together to play Scrabble together. Roberta really appreciated my grandmother and loved to hang out with her. For my grandmother´s birthday, Roberta and Michael picked her up where she lived and brought her out to an Italian restaurant near where I live in VA. It mean a lot to my grandmother to have Roberta and Michael in her life.

Roberta also really connected with our son Dylan when he was just a toddler and as he was growing up - playing Scrabble, talking with him about everything: school, what he was up to, baseball. We still have an animal plate she gave him as an early birthday present.

I didn´t realize how much Roberta liked baseball until this time in our lives. And that she was a St Louis Cardinals baseball fan. A lifelong Cardinals fan, I was thrilled to have a friend I could talk Cardinals baseball with!

Roberta was, like many of you feel, one of the most welcoming, honest and down to earth person, I´ve ever met. She welcomed me and my family to her festive Hanukah parties. She left a lasting positive, optimistic and uplifting impression on all of us. We are glad to have known Roberta and we miss her.

Dave Berger

March 31, 2025

Roberta is one of my cherished memories from our days/years at University of Maryland. Always a positive, joyous free spirit who touched many people with her love and enthusiasm for life. We shared many sweet moments (and lots of ice cream) together. She will always have a place in my heart, and I'm sure many other hearts will say the same.

Larry Sprague

March 31, 2025

Roberta was a dear friend of mine at the University of Maryland and for many years after we both graduated. She was an amazing spirit. She was strong willed and always up for an adventure. She loved nature and the National Zoo where she worked for many years. The world was a better place with her in it. My condolences to Michael and Ari. Her sisters Margie and Anne. I will plant a tree this summer for her in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. A place I know she loved. May she rest in peace.

Karen Fast

March 24, 2025

May she rest in piece. Will cherish my fond memories. Cousins forever.

Selam Musgun

March 24, 2025

Remembering Roberta , my dear friend and companion of 12 years. As her caregiver, I had the privilege of witnessing her remarkable spirit, intelligence, and resilience. Despite the numerous challenges and illnesses she faced, Roberta remained a shining example of kindness, compassion, and humility.

I cherish the countless moments we shared, filled with laughter, stories, and deep conversations. Her infectious smile and warm demeanor made every day brighter.

My last memory of Roberta is etched in my heart forever. As I bid her farewell, she whispered, 'See you later' and 'Thank you.' Those simple words spoke volumes of her gratitude and love.

Rabarts, you will be deeply missed, but your legacy lives on in our hearts. We will remember you in our daily prayers, and may your memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved you. Rest in peace, my dear friend.
Love selam

cousin Gail

March 24, 2025

I have the fondest memories of Roberta. We were only one month apart in age so, as cousins, we'd hang together at her house or at our grandparents' home. We had some good times, as kids, in West Orange!! I will miss her.

Lynne Kosofsky

March 24, 2025

So sorry to hear the news. This is Lynne Kosofsky...and Joyce..my sister... To Ann and and Margie our deepest sympathy... And all the family... We have wonderful memories with you...

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Sign Roberta Gold's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 2, 2025

Phil Kemelor posted to the memorial.

March 31, 2025

Dave Berger posted to the memorial.

March 31, 2025

Larry Sprague posted to the memorial.