Jerry (Gerald) Robbins

September 24, 1952 – September 25, 2018

We have lost a truly good man. A kind, funny, determined husband, father, brother and friend. Jerry Robbins passed away at home, surrounded by love, one day past his 66th birthday, after three years of living life to the fullest following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Jerry was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts to Margaret and Jacob Robbins, M.D., the third of three children. His family soon moved to a new “suburb” in Levittown, Long Island. Jerry fondly remembered spending his early years in this haven of street games, summer swimming, and winter snowmen.

In 1960 the family traveled cross-country to start afresh in Castro Valley, California. Not only did the CV public-school system serve Jerry as a springboard to higher education, it also helped him forge lifelong friendships, including with “the men.” This group of male pals formed the backbone of an extended network of friends who enjoyed making Super 8 movies, and creating the talent show band which Jerry led in the Class of 1970 Senior Show, giving his best rendition of James Brown. “The men” thrive to this day.

Jerry graduated in 1974 from UC Davis, with a degree in History. In 1978, he completed a Master of Urban Planning degree at University of Washington. Jerry had a proud and accomplished career in urban and transportation planning that spanned almost four decades. After working for the Alan. M. Voorhees and Wilbur Smith and Associates consulting firms, Jerry moved on and up at the City of San Francisco. In his work for the City, Jerry was instrumental in projects ranging from “Don’t Block the Box,” to facilitating transportation flow at Fishermen’s Wharf. One long time tradition was heading into San Francisco the day after Thanksgiving, to oversee a smooth parking operation for Union Square merchants and holiday shoppers. He worked successfully with BART, Muni, Caltrain and other agencies. He served as liaison to the San Francisco Giants and the 49ers. Before his retirement, Jerry served as Interim Director of the Sustainable Streets Division of the SFMTA.

Just as striking as his professional accomplishments were his relationships with neighborhood groups, merchant associations, and his co-workers. Praise and fond remembrances have flowed to Jerry’s family, highlighting his innate ability to resolve issues, share strategic insights, and improve the San Francisco transportation ecosystem. He did this all with a great sense of humor and collaboration, facilitating communication among colleagues and acting as a mentor to those who worked for him. Always committed to public transit and non-SOV travel, Jerry rode his bike to BART rain or shine, and across several years planted and nurtured a flower garden on a stretch of Fruitvale Blvd. as a part of his daily commute.

Life was not all work and no play for Jerry. He met Noelle Rubaloff in 1987 at a 4:00 AM flier handout on the Bay Bridge, coordinated by RIDES for Bay Area Commuters, where Noelle was working as Marketing Director. They married in March of 1989, and welcomed daughter Emily in November 1989, followed by daughter Jessica in May 1992.

Jerry shared many vacations, adventures, and road trips with Noelle and the girls. Annual pilgrimages to family camp in the Feather River area were much-anticipated events, and many good friendships were formed there. Trips to Oregon, Arizona, New York, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Hawaii, Washington DC, Vancouver BC and more kept the family on the go. A recent family trip to London and Paris was especially memorable. Jerry and Noelle also enjoyed several cruises together, including a Blues Cruise.

Jerry loved playing board and card games, and “Words with Friends.” Hiking was a beloved family activity. Trips to the coast and Halloween were family favorites. Jerry loved music of all types from blues, to rock ‘n roll, Bruce Springsteen, the Beatles and Motown. He was the proud owner of a working juke box, one of the most treasured and entertaining features of the family home. Jerry joyfully cheered on the SF Giants and the Warriors., attending victory parades for both. He loved comedy, particularly Jerry Seinfeld, and was an avid reader of non-fiction, watcher of documentaries, and supporter of Democratic causes. He was very proud at the progress represented by President Obama’s election; and throughout his life, right up until his final days, he thought deeply about the state of society and how to make the world a better place.

Although life was not without struggles, including the deaths of his mother and father and the death of Noelle’s mother, Jerry lived his life with a marked attitude of cheer and enthusiasm. He loved his golf outings with “the men,” gatherings with his extended family from far and near, and time spent with his sister Winnie and brother Michael, who provided much-appreciated support and care during his final years. Jerry was proud of watching daughters, Emily and Jessica (both UC Berkeley grads), grow into compassionate, successful and wise young women. Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Margaret and Jacob Robbins, M.D. He is lovingly survived by his wife of almost 30 years, Noelle Robbins (aka Kathy Rubaloff); daughter Emily and husband Matt; daughter Jessica and longtime partner Steven; sister Winnie Thompson and husband Gerry; and brother Michael Robbins and longtime partner Vera.

Special thanks to Dr. Natalie Marshall of Epic Care. Jerry was her superstar patient, far exceeding expectations for pancreatic cancer patients.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the San Francisco Chronicle’s Season of Sharing in Jerry’s name.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 5, 2019, at the Elks Lodge in Alameda (the wonderful community that Jerry, Noelle, Emily and Jessica have called home for 25 years). 2255 Santa Clara Avenue. From 1 to 3 PM.