Robert Merjano
April 6, 1963 - January 5, 2018
Bob, Bobby, Uncle Bob
Bob was born on April 6th, 1963 to Helen and James Merjano in San Francisco, CA. Loving husband to Terri Merjano, son-in-law to Ron & Linda Asti, and brother-in-law, Kevin Asti; loyal brother to Karen Miller and attentive nephew to Angela Merjano. "Uncle Bob" to Daniel, Helena, Marla and Jamie, "Bobby" to his sister-in-law Maria. His parents James and Helen Merjano and his brother Peter precede him in death in. Bob had many friends in his short 54 years, those extra special to him were Tom Haunert, Melan & Karen Jaich, Richard Linstrom, Lauren Blatt, Lisa Baird, Rt. Cpt. William B. Darr Jr., Edward Cooke and Frank Giugliano.
A native San Franciscan, Bob Merjano attended Epiphany Catholic School before graduating to St. Ignatius College Prep. While attending SI, Bob was an active member of the Debate Team. Bob continued his love of debate at the University of San Francisco where he served as President of the Speech and Debating Society and won the Philistorian of the Year Award in 1981. After graduating from USF with a major in Communication Arts and a Minor in English he began his career in management with Crown Books, managing the store on Clement Street where he built a strong and steady stream of customers in a neighborhood that came to know him well.
After his time at Crown Books, Bob began a long career in the non-profit sector, serving as a development professional for diverse organizations including the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, the Marin Theatre Company and the USA West Province of the Salesians of Don Bosco.
Bob met Terri Asti at the San Francisco Elks Lodge on January 21, 2004. Bob and Terri were married on April 21, 2007 at Saint Ignatius Church on the campus of the University of San Francisco. Bob and Terri enjoyed a full life of traveling and experiencing a variety cultures and cuisines. Through the ups and downs of life, love trumped all.
An active supporter of the San Francisco Symphony, Bob loved to attend community events and charity functions. Additionally, over 20+ years, Bob held several positions of esteem at the San Francisco Elks lodge. In September, he began his final adventure by moving to the village of Chon Thanh, Vietnam to teach English to elementary students in the local public school. Bob became a well-liked and respected member of that community.
"Bobby" was the kind loyal friend that everyone wanted to have. He had a quick wit and was a man for others. To Bob, as to Yates, there were truly no strangers, only friends he had yet to meet.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday April 6th at 2pm, Saint Ignatius Catholic Church located at 650 Parker Ave, San Francisco, CA 94118. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the San Francisco Symphony in Bob Merjano's memory. Donations can be made online at https://www.sfsymphony.org/Support-Volunteer/Give
Published in San Francisco Chronicle on Mar. 22, 2018