Robert Eugene Pearlman

1939 - 2021
Robert E. Pearlman, Advertising Exec With Passion for Exploring.

Bob Pearlman, an award-winning designer and explorer, died on February 11 at his home in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico of complications of lung cancer. He also resided in Sengekontacket on the island of Martha's Vineyard, MA.

Bob combined creativity, exploration, and diverse interests in art, literature, technology, science, nature, music and history. As part of his work with the Maasai people of Kenya, he traveled often to Africa, including for an oral histories project with Maasai elders.

Bob was born on September 16, 1939, in Boothwyn, PA, one of six children of Max and Ruth Pearlman. The family owned and operated the Carmel Diner in Carmel, NY. Bob was Senior Class President of Carmel High School, and co-captained the undefeated CHS football team.

In the 1960s Bob began his career in advertising, including work for clients such as IBM, Life Magazine, Loews Hotels, Time Inc., Viacom and Xerox. He was the president of advertising agency Cavaleri Kleier Pearlman for nearly a decade, and in 1991, joined Hadassah, retiring in 1999 as the national director of marketing for the nonprofit. His design work over the years won over 50 industry awards and honors.

Bob's curiosity knew no bounds and he was always fascinated with the natural world. His lifelong cultural explorations included learning the Maasai language, Maa; directing several expeditions to Kenya and creating a documentary about the Maasai people; ocean exploration, scuba diving and environmental advocacy; being a longtime member, board member and medalist of the Explorers Club; setting up a craft and sculpture gallery on Martha's Vineyard; cooking, film, painting, carpentry, and music. He was also a grant recipient and board member of the Charles A. and Anne Morrow Lindbergh Foundation.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Donald & David "Butch" Pearlman; and his son, Scott. He was married thrice, first to the late Ruth (Himelfarb) Sember, then to Gail (Ash) Fish, then to Karol Rose. His first two marriages ended in divorce.

Survivors include Bob's wife of 31 years Karol Rose of San Miguel de Allende; daughter Ilana Pearlman and her husband, Todd Wieseler of Nederland, Colorado; daughter Ashley Pearlman, and son Alex Pearlman, both of New York, New York; stepson Michael Rose and his wife, Heidi Hoover, of Brooklyn, New York; stepson Richard Rose and his wife, Lisa, of Cortlandt Manor, New York; grandchildren Hannalina Hoover, Zoë Rose, Shoshana Hoover, Jackson Rose, and Griffin Rose; sister Lenore "Lyn" Lundberg and her husband, Ed, of Carmel, New York; sister Carol Madden and her husband, Peter, of Lake Carmel, New York; brother Eugene "Skip" Pearlman, of Hopewell Junction, New York; five grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, other cherished relatives and friends, and his beloved 'hearing dog' Rusty.

Donations can be made in Bob's memory to The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust - charity.gofundme.com/bobpearlman