Robert E. (Bob) Brian

November 3, 1925 – July 22, 2018

Died from complications of Parkinson’s Disease at the age of 92. Born in San Diego, graduate of San Diego H.S. Served in U.S. Navy in WWII on aircraft carrier Ticonderoga at Okinawa and Tokyo Bay at the end of the war. Graduate of UC Berkeley, lettering in baseball. Coached high school baseball for 51 years, including 47 years at South San Francisco High School. Won 21 varsity league championships at SSF High School from 1959 to 2001. On retirement at age 75, honored on field at then Pac Bell Park by Manager Dusty Baker and SF Giants. In 1960, founded Pee Wee League and the practice of coaches pitching to 7-10 year olds—the first known league in the country to incorporate this idea. First high school baseball coach in the country to start a girl on the boys’ team in the 1970s. Inducted into the California Baseball Hall of Fame, the American Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame, and the San Mateo County Sports Hall of Fame.

Survived by his wife of 70 years, Leona (Lee); 2 sons, Bruce and Brad (daughter-in-law Claire); 4 grandchildren, Jeff (Christy), Lisa Leone (Jim), Allison, and Leslie; and 6 greatgrandchildren, Tori, Brian, Michael, Caitlyn, Elena, and Sean. Thanks to caregiver Ira Aure for her dedication and love.

Private, family burial services will be held. A public memorial service will be held at a future date.

Contributions can be made in Bob Brian’s honor to the Cal Baseball Foundation at www.calbaseballfoundation.org