Rob Sternstein

Rob Sternstein, also known as Robbie and "Aussie Bob," died in the early hours of November 15, 2025. After living with cancer for some six years, he gently slipped away in his sleep at home in Brookline, MA.

Rob was born in Boston on August 15, 1960, to Natalie (Ginsberg) Sternstein and Philip Sternstein, both deceased. He grew up in Norwood MA, Stamford CT, and Wellesley MA.

In 1988, Rob married Margaret Evans, his life partner for almost four decades. They met in Sydney, Australia, on April 3, 1986. That's the date they called their true anniversary. Their daughter, Jerri, burst onto the scene in 1989. Then, in 1994, their son, Evan, made his debut. Family was everything to Rob, and he was a fantastic father.

Over the years, Rob and Margaret built a wonderful life together, settling into their forever home in Brookline, MA, in 1993. Rob loved his neighborhood, hanging out on friends' stoops there as well as in the nearby park. He was a magnet for conversation.

In high school, Rob was a competitive downhill skier. Later in life, Rob became a passionate fan of sailing and enjoyed watching all sports, including golf, the Red Sox, the Patriots, and the University of Vermont's women's hockey team coached by his lifelong friend, Jimmy Plumer. Rob also relished his own coaching role on Evan's youth baseball teams.

Rob loved to travel. Among his adventures, he drove across the U.S. several times, biked through Europe, and travelled around Australia more than once.

You could call Rob a student of life. He learned photography under the tutelage of his beloved grandfather, Jerry. And it was through his treasured grandmother, Selma, that Rob learned to appreciate art, antiques, and classical music. Rob often read multiple history books at the same time, and he liked historical TV shows. His formal education peaked at Sarah Lawrence College in New York, where he graduated as a theater major.

Rob took that theater degree straight to the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego. Then, after returning to Massachusetts, he worked on sets and lighting at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge.

Rob's next career move took him into headhunting and HR, capitalizing on his renowned way with people.

When he and Margaret moved to Australia with Jerri and Evan in 1998, Rob's theater background quickly resurfaced, and he produced events for Australia Day, the Centenary of Federation, and the Sydney 2000 Olympics. He even managed the major ceremony in which he became an Australian citizen. That's where a former Australian Prime Minister dubbed him "Aussie Bob."

Back in the Boston area for the past 24 years, Rob drew on his production experience to work in events, hospitality, and catering, primarily at the UMass Club in Boston, Harvard Business School, and Lasell University.

The soundtrack of Rob's life would feature The Grateful Dead on heavy rotation. Rob's most-played album was Old & In The Way, and his favorite song was David Bowie's Life on Mars.

Rob is survived by his wife, Margaret, their children Jerri and Evan, along with Evan's wife, Alexandra Wismer, and grandson Cameron, Jerri's son with Connor Lafferty. Rob is also survived by his brother, David Sternstein.

Rob was goofy, generous, loyal, and made friends everywhere he went. As Rob's family and friends have been coming to terms with his death, the most oft-mentioned phrase is "bright light."

On Friday, November 21, there'll be a private family service at 10 a.m. followed by open visitation beginning at 11 a.m. at the Bell O'Dea Funeral Home in Brookline Village. Then, from noon-5 p.m., there'll be a celebration of Rob's life at The Garrison House, 6 Harvard Square, Brookline, MA 02445. On Saturday, November 22, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Rob's family will host an Open House at the Sternstein residence in Brookline.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Fare you well, fare you well
I love you more than words can tell
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock my soul