Robert “Bob” Berke

October 23, 1944 - May 12, 2022

Robert Berke died peacefully at Tiburon Hills Care Center on May 12th at the age of 77.

Robert was born in San Francisco and lived his whole life in the Bay Area. The third child and only son of Irving and Rose Berke, he was married to fellow San Francisco native, Nancy Porter Berke for 51 years. Together they built a home, a life, and a successful audio post- production business. He and Nancy were that rare couple who were able to work together as well as have a strong, long lasting marriage.

Above all else, Robert was a teacher and a mentor. He taught Broadcast Communications for 10 years at City College of San Francisco. His entrepreneurial spirit led to the founding of Robert Berke Sound (later Berke Sound), which was highly regarded and successful for almost 40 years and created many award winning soundtracks. His students and staff thought a great deal of him, crediting him for teaching and mentoring them in professional and personal ways. He was ethical, creative, innovative, and generous in business and in life.

Robert loved his work, but he also loved spending vacations with his wife and two children, Jocelyn and Stephen. Robert was a devoted and supportive father and was crazy about his grandchildren, Mckenna and Liam Corbett. He loved going to Hawaii, cruising, and entertaining.

Robert and Nancy lived in San Francisco, Pacifica, Millbrae, and a wonderful 16 years in Hiddenbrooke, where he had many friends.

Robert was healthy most of his life, until he developed Parkinson’s Disease. Even as his life got more constrained and difficult, he remained the kind, patient, and caring person he always was. Robert is survived by his wife Nancy, daughter, Jocelyn Corbett (Kevan), son, Stephen Berke (Chloe), sister, Elaine Leavitt (Leonard), grandchildren, Mckenna and Liam Corbett, ten nephews and their families.

A private interment on May 25th will be followed by a celebration of life scheduled for June 18th. Please contact the family for details. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Michael J Fox Foundation, or the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation would be appreciated.