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Robert Ahern Obituary
Judge Robert Patrick Ahern
Resident of San Jose
September 19, 1938 - April 2, 2011
;also known as Bobby, Bob, LTJG, Legal Eagle, Commander, Dad, Judge, and Papa Bob, lived his 72 years with gusto. He died in Good Samaritan Hospital after a fierce battle with cancer where he acquired his last name: Braveheart.
Bob was proud to be a fourth generation San Franciscan. He attended St. Paul's Grammar School, Riordan High School, and The University of San Francisco where he played offensive guard. Bob enlisted in the Navy in 1960 and served 4 years active duty as a Naval Flight officer and Navigator/Tactical Coordinator. He remained in the Naval Reserves for 18 years.
He was a '67 graduate of UC Hastings College of Law and worked for the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office for ten years until he was elected to the Municipal Court.
In 1982, he was elected to the Superior Court where he served until his retirement in 2002. After "retirement" Bob became a "Traveling Judge" working as far north as Mariposa and as far south as San Diego.
During his years with the Superior Court, Bob served as Asst. Presiding Judge and Presiding Judge. He was a member of the Olympic Club of San Francisco for 54 years, President of the Bellarmine Dads Club, and President of the Los Pescadores (83-85).
Bob approached life with enthusiasm and strength. His interest in genealogy led to discovering his Great grandfather's cottage in Lyreacrompane, Ireland. After connecting with his Irish cousins, he was invited to open the town's annual Dan Paddy Andy Festival. He loved golfing, technology (especially his beloved iPhone), growing tomatoes, and learning new things.
Bob loved making and celebrating traditions: walking the Golden Gate Bridge every year on his birthday, cooking the Thanksgiving turkey, sitting in the front row at the 4th of July parade in Graeagle. But more than anything, Bob loved his family.
Bob is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mimi; children Miriam (Christian), Andrew (Jennifer), and Katie; and grandchildren Benjamin, Samuel, and Madeline. He is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Estelle.
He was a force and he will be missed.
Family and friends may visit Friday, April 8th, from 3:30pm to 5:30pm and are invited to attend the Rosary/Vigil Service 5:30pm (All) at St. Christopher Church, 1576 Curtner Avenue, San Jose. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, April 9th, 12noon at St. Paul Catholic Church, 221 Valley Street, San Francisco. Burial to follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Colma. Donations may be made to Bellarmine College Preparatory, 960 West Hedding Street, San Jose, CA 95126 and Presentation High School, 2281 Plummer Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125 THE BUD DUGGAN FAMILY
(650) 756-4500 or(415) 587-4500
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Ahern
Bob O'Neill
April 3, 2019
Robert: A wonderful judge, fine family man and a good friend. I miss our dinners at Salvatore's in San Diego, the laughs, jokes and the humanity. R.I.P.
Al Carlson
April 27, 2011
May Bob rest in peace,he saw a great public servant
Peter Graves
April 15, 2011
Bob was truly a GREAT Judge and served
his Santa Clara County community well! He
was well respected by those of us that had the pleasure of working with him as
law enforement officers. My sincere condolences to his family. Peter Graves
Kenn Christie
April 11, 2011
A different perspective ... that of a career of bringing my police investigative matters, first to D.D.A. Bob Ahern, and before long, before Judge Ahern. This gave me an insight from "across the bench". Any review of my dozens and dozens of cases before DDA & Judge Ahern became a brief experience in law school. He started me out right in my early years; him as the D.A. assessing my work. Later I now brought many cases to his court, now complete with the refinements he expected. He never let up, and I was MUCH the better for it. He was also a fine gentleman and proud Naval Flight Officer in this Marine's many, many relaxed visits with him over 30+ years. May his memory be eternal ..... with all, as it will certainly be with me. Go on Braveheart on your final and eternal sortee in God's care. Semper Fidelis.
Robert O'Neill
April 8, 2011
Judge Bob came to the San Diego Superior Court a couple of years ago to work as a traveling judge. We became close friends. I have many memories of Bob and enjoyed a wonderful dinner in La Jolla with Bob & Mimi as he finished his San Diego assignment. As I sit on the bench and decide matters, I often find myself asking "what would Bob do?" Bob is still with us, a fine family man, a great judge and a wonderful human being. God speed, my friend!
David Barrett
April 7, 2011
Bob and I were fellow Taccos in Patron 17 during 1962-1964. His efforts in 2001 resulted in a VP-17 reunion in Monterrey where we got reacquainted and played golf. I also had the pleasure of meeting and visitng with Mimi, his wonderful wife. Bob was liked by all and will be missed by all.
Curt & Sheila Taylor
April 7, 2011
Bob and I were members of the same aircrew in Patron 17, he was our TACCO/Navigator. A better person I have yet to meet, nor do I believe I ever shall. Bob and I reaquainted online just after he retired, as we were both searching for old shipmates. I had retired from law enforcement and was also a Common Pleas (Superior) Court Bailiff in Ohio. We stayed in communication up until his recent illness became critical. We last met personally at our Squadron reunion in 2005.
I will greatly miss him and the sharing of our online communication.
My wife also was fortunate to have been aquainted with Bob. We extend our most sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the family.
Joe Belinc
April 7, 2011
I served in the navy with LTJG Bob Ahern, he was truly an officer & gentleman. VP-17 will hold a squadron reunion this coming November and we will raise a glass to our shipmate LTJG Bob Ahern.
April 6, 2011
all of our love goes to mimi and family at this difficult time......bob was truly a braveheart thru this all....we always knew him to be a very special man as was his dear family. we send you lots of sunshine and blue skies...........joe and lynn altieri....CA.
Ann Routon Crabtree
April 6, 2011
In my 20s, I met Bob Ahern and Mimi Rasmussen at the Sylvan Square Apts. where our lives were just one big happy pool party. Bob loved to laugh.
In my 30s, Susan Bigelow and I walked a precinct for Bob in downtown San Jose for his run for municipal court. He was passionate about the law.
In my 40s, he once made me walk a straight line, heel-to-toe, on the sidewalk in front of his house before he would let me get in my car and drive. He was like a stubborn, strict father.
In my 50s, he held my hand and guided me through a very dark time for my family. He was a compassionate friend.
And now in my 60s, he has made an impact on my life with his unfailing courage through these last 7 months.He was has been an inspiration. I will remember him fondly. And I plan to walk across the Golden Gate bridge this year for the first time.
My deepest sympathy and love to Mimi and family.
Wendell & Virginia Stephenson
April 6, 2011
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Pushpa
April 6, 2011
Like a song that continues to play inside us and delight us long after it has ended, Bob will continue to be in our minds and hearts, and remembered by those whose lives he enriched. My deepest sympathies to dear Mimi, the children, and grand children. I wish them courage and strength to endure this loss.
Eleanor Popolizio
April 5, 2011
Bob was a great friend. Mimi, Miriam, Andrew and Kate, my sincerest sympathy.
Kelly
April 5, 2011
Bob was one in a million and a true 'braveheart' - he will be dearly missed by those fortunate enough to catch his comet tail. He lived with such fervor and passion and left this world with dignity and grace. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to his lovely family, especially his sweetheart and my dear friend, Mimi.
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