Dr. Robert John “Bob” Emmons, a civic leader, businessman, professor, author and philanthropist whose generosity and vision shaped both industries and communities, passed away peacefully at his home in Montecito, California, on July 23, 2025. He was 92.
Born in Trenton, New Jersey, to Ruth and Charles Glunk, Bob spent his childhood in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, where he developed a lifelong love of learning, adventure and community. He later moved to Detroit, attended Michigan State University and Wayne State University, and earned degrees in economics, law at the University of Michigan, and a doctorate of philosophy in economics at Santa Clara University.
Bob’s first major professional break came at age 29 at Baskin-Robbins, where founders Butch Baskin and Irv Robbins quickly recognized his leadership. He went on to lead as chief executive officer of Master Host International and United Rentals before turning to consulting and academia as University of Southern California faculty. He later served as CEO of LTI Corporation and Smart & Final before retiring from corporate life to pursue his passions and philanthropy.
In 1970, he joined the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business as executive in residence, which grew into an 11-year tenure as a professor of marketing and co-director of USC’s pioneering Food Industry Management Program. He also founded the Institute for Management and Marketing Studies, consulting in 25 countries.
A prolific author, Bob published eight books, including "Six Thousand Sunrises," and several volumes of poetry. Later in life, he studied sculpture at the Florence Academy of Art in Italy. He served on numerous boards and foundations and was honored as Santa Barbara’s Man of the Year in 2010, among many other awards.
Bob is survived by his wife of 45 years, Christine “Chris” Emmons; his children Brad (Nora), Cathy (Tim), and Christopher (Mary Ann), from his first marriage to Connie; and Ryan (Grace), with Chris; along with eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He will be dearly missed and remembered by his family and friends.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, Sept. 11, at All Saints By-the-Sea Episcopal Church, Montecito, California.
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