Roberta Gold

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).