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Robert William "Bob" Melbourne IV

Robert Melbourne Obituary

Robert "Bob" William Melbourne IV Passed away unexpectedly from an aortic aneurysm on September 27, 2008. He died in the arms of his spouse of 42 years, Gustavo Serina. Born in Cleveland, Ohio on May 1, 1923, Bob was attending Michigan's Albion College when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor in 1941. He volunteered in the US Marine Corps and fought in the South Pacific battles of Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima and was honorably discharged in 1945. He moved to San Francisco and worked in the construction industry. He and Gustavo traveled extensively and entertained family and friends in their Castro neighborhood home. They wed on August 21, 2008, their traditional anniversary. Bob was a kind, gallant, generous, thoughtful man who was loved by family and dear friends. In accordance with his wishes, he will be cremated. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Oct. 5, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Melbourne

Sponsored by Gustavo Serina.

Not sure what to say?





Bob in Athens, 1998

May 9, 2020

Bob on the terrace of our room at the Electra Palace Hotel in Athens in 1998.

November 18, 2008

See ya around Pilgrim,

Fondly Don and Chris Czerkies (of 18th Street)

Mike & Nila Babbitt/Camino

October 22, 2008

I remember the first time I met Bob and Gustavo at 2500 Market Street, during a neighborhood meeting. Gustavo and Bob became my heroes that day, when Gustavo made a wonderful speech about our neighborhood rights, and Bob nearly attacked Leslie Katz for trying to interrupt Gustavo.
Bob was a wonderful man and has moved on to the next great adventure, where he will eventually greet us all with his crushing handshake.

Susanne Twomey

October 20, 2008

I only met Bob briefly but his warmth and generosity were readily apparent. From discussions with Gustavo, I felt like I knew him better than I did. His loss will be felt by many. My thoughts are with them at this time.

Marie and Ray Serina

October 18, 2008

We were blessed to have Bob in our family- he was so thoughtful and caring. Most important he always found the time to engage in a conversation about how we were doing and actully listened to what we had to say. We will sincerely miss this fine gentleman who loved us as much as we loved him.

Judith & Michael Hurley

October 8, 2008

In our tradition people live eternally in the memories of those who loved them. Bob was a cherished friend and we will always remember him as the gentle, generous and loving person he was.

Mary Moreno

October 8, 2008

We will miss Bob. If someone asked me to describe Bob, I would use the words, courtly gentleman. He surely would have been a worthy addition to any palace court, and he was a gentle man.

Changiz Khazeni

October 7, 2008

The picture truly captures Bob spirit and how all of us will remember him. I will always remember his high spirit and great attitude toward life.

Linda DiSantis

October 7, 2008

Bob was a kind, gentle soul who will always be in our hearts. I also remember his John Wayne impersonation very well, and his wonderful stories. Remember the one about his meeting Tyrone Power during the war?

Bruce Reeder

October 7, 2008

That is a great picture! I will always remember his sly grin, especially after he fired a political zinger at me and my Republican friends! We were honored that Bob considered us as family and we all loved him very much.

Bill Pardi

October 7, 2008

Bob was a very dear friend. He will be sorely missed. I will always remember his John Wayne impression and his stories of meeting Walt Disney. He was a kind and generous man. There are far too few men of his caliber left in the world.

Dana Heath

October 6, 2008

What a wonderful picture of Bob! I will always remember his terrific smile and his John Wayne imitation.

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