Robert Benjamin Weisenmiller

October 17, 1948 - July 14, 2025

Berkeley, California - Dr. Robert B. Weisenmiller, an internationally renowned energy expert, died July 14th after a brief illness. Dr. Weisenmiller served as Chairman of the California Energy Commission, first appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and reappointed and elevated to Chair by Governor Edmund G. (Jerry) Brown, Jr.

Over a half century, Dr. Weisenmiller was a major force in shaping California energy policy, helping to lead the state to a sustainable future less reliant on fossil fuels. He was an essential figure in the development of renewable and independent power generation. During his nine years of leadership on the California Energy Commission, Bob Weisenmiller advanced efforts to address climate change, promote energy efficiency and assure that the state had adequate supplies of reliable power.

In the mid-1980s, Dr. Weisenmiller co-founded MRW & Associates, a consultancy that specialized in supporting the emerging independent and renewable energy industry. He pioneered in analyzing utility needs for new power and testified in more than 100 state and federal proceedings. His analyses were used by the financial industry in making investment decisions in new energy projects.

In recent years, Dr. Weisenmiller wrote and traveled extensively and was invited to consult with leaders in China, Germany, Singapore and other nations. He was awarded the 26th Annual Edmund G. "Pat" Brown Award for 2021 by the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance.

To his friends and colleagues, Bob was known as a person of towering intellect, but humble, decent and always respectful of others. He was a gentle spirt, had a quick, wicked sense of humor, and was a patient mentor to many of today's energy leaders. He had a remarkable ability to absorb knowledge on a wide array of topics, and he dispensed a constant stream of articles, emails and text messages to his many friends and professional associates. He was a beloved figure throughout the community.

Bob had a lifelong passion for history and travel, interests that enriched his life and deepened his connections to the world around him. He was especially proud of his Italian heritage and made several memorable trips to Italy with his family to visit relatives and explore the towns of his ancestors. Bob also traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia, always with camera in hand, capturing the beauty, culture, and spirit of each place he visited.

Dr. Weisenmiller received a Ph.D. in Chemistry and a Master of Science in Energy and Resources from the University of California, Berkeley. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Providence College.

Robert Benjamin Weisenmiller was born in Cumberland, Maryland to parents Robert J. and Anna Marie (Divico) Weisenmiller. He is survived by his daughter, Suzanne Alexander, his sister Mary Suzanne Wheeler-de Jong of Edgewood, Maryland, and his brother Richard Weisenmiller of Hampstead, Maryland. Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife, Cheryl Lynn (Burdette) Weisenmiller who passed away in 2020. His beloved cat, Mirka, will miss his loving care.

A public memorial service will be held in September.

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

Published by The Sacramento Bee from Jul. 19 to Jul. 20, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Weisenmiller

Sponsored by Sacbee.com.

22 Entries

Richard Norgaard

Yesterday

Bob was kind. When my elderly parents were having a bit of difficulty handling their baggage at the Oslo airport in the late 1980s, out of the blue, Bob stepped in to help, noticed the name tags, and asked if they were related to me. And my parents were quick to let me know what a great person he was.

Odón de Buen

July 29, 2025

I met Bob in 2014 when he came to México as head of the CEC with a large California delegation to exchange perspectives and information for an ongoing energy reform in México. Great guy!!

Ross Pumfrey

July 28, 2025

Bob had finished his Energy and Resources degree at UC Berkeley when I became a student there at the beginning of the 1980s. I had the good fortune to meet and chat with him a couple of times, and what struck me most was his kindness and humility.

Karen Herter

Planted Trees

Edward Vine

July 28, 2025

So sad to hear this news about Bob. Our energy paths crossed many times over the last 45 years. I always looked forward to his insights on issues related to energy efficiency and renewable energy. But more recently, I enjoyed his emails regarding the Grateful Dead. I am sure he would have lots to say about the 60th Anniversary of the Dead coming up. It's been a long, strange trip (especially these days). Carry on Bob wherever you are!

Ed

Matthew Brady

July 25, 2025

Thanks for the memories. Bob and I worked together at the Energy Commission and talked periodically about issues over the next 40+ years. He will be missed.

Steve Taber

July 23, 2025

This comes as a shock and a grief. Bob has missed Cheryl terribly but seemed to be carrying in remarkable strength and good spirits. I will miss his wisdom, grace, and friendship.

Elaine Chiodi and Tony Dutton

July 23, 2025

Bob will be missed by all who knew him.

Susan Buller

Planted Trees

Gail Slocum

July 22, 2025

May this visionary yet grounded leader´s memory be a blessing and inspiration to all who carry on the climate change fight.

Ray Williams

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Ray Williams

July 22, 2025

Bob was a giant in the field of energy and the environment, and a kind and gentle soul.

Rest in peace, Bob, you have left this world a better place.

Grace Anderson

Planted Trees

Grace Anderson

July 22, 2025

This is a tragedy
We love him and did not get to say good-by.
Impossible to believe Mirka out-lived him. Who will care for her?

Sveva Grande

July 22, 2025

In memory of my cousin Bob.
Robert Weisenmiller was a brilliant scientist, an internationally renowned energy expert, a man of immense culture, and a great connoisseur of Italian art and culture.
Beyond this, Bob had a great sense of family and was extremely proud of his Italian roots. We owe him for maintaining contact between the family in Italy and the one in the US.

We will miss you very much, dear Bob.

Michael Smartt

Planted Trees

Suzanne Reed

July 21, 2025

Bob was a trusted advisor to Commissioners and guide to staff in the early years of the California Energy Commission. He was instrumental in setting the course of the Commission´s renowned leadership in energy conservation and alternative energy development. Bob returned to Chair the Commission and helped forge California´s climate change and decarbonization policy. His legacy will endure and he will also be remembered fondly for his kindness by all who had the privilege to work with him.

Michael R Peevey

July 20, 2025

Bob was one small number of people one can say simply he was the best. We worked together over many years, stretching back 30 years or more, first through the work of his (and Dan's) consulting firm, then when I was President of the CPUC and then as friends discussing the problems we all faced in devising and trying to insure success with the many aspects of California's detailed and complicated energy policies. He was a delight to work with. God bless.
d

Susan J Brown

July 20, 2025

I have fond memories of working with Bob during the 1970s, in the early days of the California Energy Commission. He was my mentor, supervisor and inspiration, and well respected for his exceptional knowledge and keen intellect. I was fortunate to work with Bob again, when he began Chair of the CEC, in my capacity as Special Advisor to Vice Chair Jim Boyd. Wishing my sincerest condolences to his friends and family, Susan J Brown, Senior Policy Advisor (retired)

Manuel Alvarez

July 20, 2025

Many good years working on energy policy for the State of California at the Energy Commission.

Theresa Divico

July 20, 2025

Our family has called him "Robbie" over the years. He was usually pretty quiet, but when he said something it was either really funny or very informative. He had a heart of gold and always remembered us on our birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. When I lived in MD, any time it snowed (bc I hated the cold), he would send me pictures of the flowers blooming in his yard. We both got a kick out of it. One of my best memories was when we on a family trip to Italy and he got up on stage and did the Tarantella dance with the entertainers. I was quite impressed with his performance. Although we didn´t see each other as often as we would have liked to, because we lived on opposite sides of the country, it did not stop the love. I was shocked and heartbroken to hear of his passing. Although he is gone, he will not be forgotten. I believe he is an angel in heaven now.

Keith Martin

July 20, 2025

Bob always brought Santa Claus to mind. He always seemed in good spirits and had a kind smile. His intellectual curiosity served him well. He made many important contributions to the renewable energy sector. He sent occasional emails after he retired from the CEC. If you asked how he was doing, the answers were always succinct. The world is a better place for his contributions.

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