Robert Ferris Saydah
September 26, 1927 - March 12, 2017
Robert Ferris (Bob) Saydah of Alamo, California passed away on Sunday, March 12th, 2017 under the light of a full moon at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, California. He passed away peacefully with his adoring family by his side.
Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His family and friends meant the world to him. He will be remembered for his love of life, family, tennis, and community, and the integrity, loyalty, sense of humor and beautiful smile he brought to all.
He was born in Brooklyn, New York to the late Ferris Murad Saydah and Alice Marie Awad and was raised in Tenafly, New Jersey with his three younger brothers. He graduated from Tenafly High School and entered Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania where he earned a BS Degree in Biology and a MS Degree in Bacteriology. Reflecting his appreciation of Lehigh and belief in the value of education, Bob established a scholarship fund that helped many students earn their degree.
Bob enjoyed a 40-year career at Lederle Laboratories Division of American Cyanamid Company culminating as Executive Vice President responsible for the branded prescription, generic, and consumer health products business in the United States. He took a leave of absence from the company in 1952 during the Korean War where he served as first lieutenant in the USAF stationed in Germany. After his retirement from Lederle Laboratories in 1988, he joined Heidrick & Struggles as a senior partner in the San Francisco office. He led the firm’s Health Care practice and later became managing partner of the San Francisco Office and an elected member of the firm’s board of directors. Bob retired in 2000.
In 1951, Bob married Isabelle (Becky) Veldran and together they raised four children. They settled in Connecticut and New Jersey. After the children were grown they moved to Alamo, California. Becky preceded Bob in death.
In his later years, Bob married Colleen Hoffman, continued to enjoy his lifelong love of tennis, and became a leader in the community.
Bob joined the John Muir Health Foundation Board in 2005 and served as Chairman of the Board from 2009 to 2011. He continued to contribute to the foundation by serving on the Governance Committee. His commitment through the foundation was to bring the best medical care and the highest quality equipment to the John Muir Medical Center.
The Rotary Club and ROMEO’S were two of Bob’s favorite groups and he looked forward to these gatherings each week. He also served on the P-5 Committee in Alamo. He belonged to the Round Hill Country Club where he enjoyed many bridge games and his joy of tennis thrived.
Bob is survived by his wife, Colleen. He is also survived by his children Robert Saydah (Judy), Michael Saydah (Margaret) Thomas Saydah (Margaret) and Nancy Atkinson Mulligan (Kirk); his grandchildren Elizabeth Saydah, John Saydah, Lindsey Atkinson, Taylor Atkinson, Keever Mulligan, Josette Saydah and Sean Saydah; his stepchildren Cheri Betts (Mike), Cindy Mascheroni (Tim) and Lauri Bunting; his step-grandchildren Carolyn Betts Fleming (Dan), Bill Betts (Lizzie), Catherine Betts Vastine (Tim), Nick Mascheroni, Lindsey Mascheroni, Joe Mascheroni, Natalie Bunting, Samantha Bunting and Paxton Bunting; and his four great-grandchildren; He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law Ferris Saydah (Lenore), Gilbert (Gibb) Saydah (Susan), and William Saydah.
Memorial services will be held on Monday, April 17th at 1:00p.m. at St. Timothy’s Church, 1550 Diablo Rd., Danville, California. Reception immediately following at Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Round Hill Road, Alamo, California.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Robert Saydah Memorial Fund at John Muir Health Foundation, 1400 Treat Boulevard, Walnut Creek, CA or a charity of your choice.