Robert Rose

The gales of November came early when Robert “Bob” Rose passed away on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at the age of 85. Bob personified warmth, kindness, and generosity and was respected and loved by so many. Born on April 19, 1936 in Shawnee, Oklahoma, he moved west to California in his youth, and later attended UC Davis, where he professed girls to be his field of study. The Oklahoma native would often jokingly refer to himself as an “Oakie Dust Bowl transplant” as if he were straight out of a Steinbeck novel.

After completing an enlistment in the Army National Reserves, Bob spent his young adult years selling cars, saving as many pennies as he could earn, and started a family, becoming a father to William and John. He founded Mercury Mortgage in March of 1967. Under Bob’s leadership, Mercury Mortgage serviced Hayward, San Leandro, and the greater Bay Area community for more than 15 years. He went on to found Centennial Bank in 1976. In 1987 he married Audrey and together they built a loving blended family.

He loved to build things with his bare hands. He desired to build his own home and eventually did so near Lodi, California, where he and Audrey spent many happy years before moving to his beloved San Francisco in the beginning of 2004. They later moved to Dublin to be closer to their two daughters.

With seemingly a story for every street corner in San Francisco and in cities around the world, Bob loved to travel and learn as much as possible about a place’s people and their history. When he would learn a new anecdote or read a story he instantly knew could be of interest to others, he would clip out the story and mail it to the person he thought of.

Despite his business successes, Bob was most comfortable in his bib overalls working the land of his ranch and tending to his horses or with his walking stick exploring the heart of San Francisco. There were fewer things that made Bob happier than a good song, a good meal, and a good conversation with family and friends. He was an avid collector of items he feared would be otherwise lost to a junkyard. He passionately supported all Bay Area sports franchises, but especially loved his San Francisco 49ers. He was always quick with a witty remark, if you were paying close enough attention to hear it. Bob’s quiet, patient demeanor will be missed by his loved ones and all who were lucky enough to know him.

Bob is preceded in death by his mother Thelma, father David, and son Gregory. Bob is survived by his wife of 34 years, Audrey, sons William, John (Corrine), and Robert (Ange), and daughters Kathleen and Tracey (Steve). He loved being a grandfather to his many adoring grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00am on Friday, November 12 at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, 1490 19th Street, San Francisco, CA. Viewing services will be held prior to the memorial services at 10:00am at the church.

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