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In Loving Memory
Bob's Story
The story of Bob began in Pittsburgh in 1949 where he loved running the streets with his neighborhood buddies, going to Pirates games and spending time with extended family at Baba and Didi’s house. Meeting Bob’s cousins always included hearing the story of him ruining the family picture when he stuck out his tongue. Bob was big brother to Paula, who he claims to have diapered and taught to walk, and younger brother to Steve. A highlight of Bob’s childhood was sailing to England on the Queen Mary with his mother and brother. They stayed with his grandparents and he remembered Guy Fawkes Day and Trafalgar Square fondly but school not so much.
The Steelers became his passion and he went on to excel in football as a linebacker at Bridgewater HS in NJ. He received a scholarship to play defensive lineman at Penn State and got to play at the Orange Bowl.
Bob started his teaching career at the Midland School for neurologically impaired students and was Director of PE. Being an adaptive PE teacher there led to true love, marriage to Barbara and a move to beautiful Orange County in 1978. When Bob was asked what was the secret of a 42 year marriage, he said, “I just try to make her laugh” and he did every day.
Brian, Brent and Becky soon followed and were the sunshine of his life. They were the ones he most wanted to spend time with and he was proud of them from childhood to adulthood. Adding Megan and Ben to our family was another bonus.
During 40 years of teaching special education, Bob impacted the lives of many students. A fellow teacher and friend at Loara described Bob as kind, funny, genuine and inspirational. While teaching was his job, coaching football, track and Little League became his love.
Sports were Bob’s passion and he couldn’t wait each year until horseracing opened at Del Mar. Vacations in Carlsbad were planned around the track and Labor Day was a ritual with friends and family for many years. He bet the ponies on his Ipad until the end but enjoyed being there in person most of all. Next came NFL games on TV and rooting for the Steelers. Bob was proud to be a season ticketholder since the Ducks began in 1993 and joyously watched them win the Stanley Cup. Meeting Teemu Selanne at his steakhouse was a real thrill. They shook hands and Bob got to talk a little Ducks’ strategy with him. Bob met his idol, Muhammad Ali, after a flight and got an autograph. He was so disappointed that he missed out when Ali offered to take photos with the boys when he had gone to get the car.
Once retired, we found our happy place in Kauai with Paula and Steve. Bob recently told Paula that when he was lying in bed he frequently would imagine the perfect day in Kauai. It would usually start off at Lapperts with coffee and a macadamia nut roll. Then off to beautiful Waimea Canyon followed by a swim at Salt Pond Beach. The day would end at Tahiti Nui for a dinner of mongchong, a hula by the bartender and Michael playing the slack-key guitar.
Our family recently increased and Grandpa Bob loved Josie so much. He would sometimes cry a few tears when she left because he could no longer hold her. Henry Boy, as Grandpa called him, brought joy and love to his life on one of his last days.
Bob fought a two-year battle with unfailing optimism and courage.
We honor him for a life well lived. We loved him so much and will miss him every day.
Donations in his memory may be given to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Please share your own memory or story about Bob below
Memories of Bob
The first time I met him was at Brent’s college graduation. The Spirnak family invited us to dinner to celebrate the newest college graduate. Right away I felt really comfortable talking to him. His genuine personality and kindness made it seem like we had known each other forever. Even though we didn’t have many opportunities to get together, I am grateful for having met such a great man! I’d also like to say that he and Barbara raised a wonderful man who I get to call my brother in law. Sending love to the entire Spirnak family. -Gonzo Quintero
I remember Bob’s heartfelt speech at Megan and Brent’s wedding. My sister and I had written out our speeches and for me, I must say my nerves got the best of me and the speech didn’t go off quite how I hoped. Then comes Bob’s turn for his toast to the bride and groom! He made it look so easy because he spoke from the heart. I could tell how much he loved not only his son, Brent, but my baby sister, Megan! It has been such a joy and honor to witness the love Bob (and Barbara) have for their children, daughter- in-law, and granddaughter, Josie. I also remember when Bob was here at our home for Josie’s Welcome home baby shower. He was not feeling 100%, but I could see the love he had for this new addition to the family and I am grateful that I got to be a part of such a special day. 💗 -Diana Quintero
I only new Bob in passing when he worked at Loara High School. We would say hello and talk for a brief moment. Every time I talked to him I felt like his friend. He always greeted with Hello Rich in a very kind and cheerful matter. He cared about his students and he was missed at Loara. God Bless Bob and your family. Thank you for allowing me to share a really nice memory today! -Richard Quiroz
I learned the true meaning of “Revlon” from Bob. What a kind sweet soul -Susan Munoz
Bob was ALWAYS very respectful and pleasant with me. He made it a point to show me kindness and acceptance. May he Rest In Peace. -Tamara Mobley
The coolest. Sweet Dad, Husband and Grandfather. Always so courteous, kind and friendly. Funny too. All my love to the Spirnak Familia! "Que Viva Bob Cabrones!!!" -Fernando Vega
Bob loved going with his wife Barbara & his family to our Kauai & Maui Resorts for several years. The great most recent Kauai picture of Bob “Hang Ten” shows just how “Chill” of a fellow NJ native so Humorous, Genuine, Honest, Inspirational, Kind, Sincere, Considerate, Thoughtful, Selfless, Humble with great expertise, phenomenally great caring Special Needs teacher who always advocated for students successes! Bob was a great friend to all who had the honor of getting to know Bob & be inspired by Bob! May Bob’s Memory Be Forever Blessings! Shelley Sasaki (Loara teacher & co- NJian friend who started & continued 4-5 of Bob’s & his family’s Hawaiian adventures) -Shelley Sasaki
We first met Bob and the Spirnak family during a trip to the US to see my twin brother Ben wed Bob and Barbara's beautiful daughter Becky. We were instantly welcomed into the family and felt at home with them. Bob was so genuine, kind and had a huge presence. That trip he gained his most loyal fan, our 1 year old daughter Daisy. We were lucky enough to visit the US again and see Bob and Barbara for a very happy Christmas in 2017. He will be missed terribly but his love and spirit will live on in his children and most definitely his precious grandchildren Josie and Henry. xx -Amy, Gavin, Daisy & Ruby
My first introduction to the Spirnak family was through k-league soccer. My son Jared, and Brent met at kindergarten and played on the same team. Looking at Brent being so tall and athletic at the age of five I wondered how could this be. Then at a game I met Bob and realized Brent was a legacy of his gentle giant dad.
Being a PE graduate myself I have great admiration for Bob as an adaptive PE teacher. One of the requirements for my degree was to take a class in adaptive PE. After the first week I realized the compassion and strength an adaptive teacher provides for their students special needs is over the top. Only a gifted person like Bob could mentor and educate a student needing such great attention!!!
Over the years our boys were great friends and we got to know Brian and Becky as well. Going to see the American gladiators live was a highlight for all of us.
Around the age of 12 our boys played competitive basketball. My husband was coaching them and I was in the stands with all the parents. We parents, myself included, we’re very vocal if the referees made a bad call. I will always remember Bob saying in his deep calm voice, when the gym was quiet as the free throw shooter was at the line,“REVLON”. When the referee called another make up foul, hence the Revlon remark from Bob , will always echo in my heart like it did in that quiet gym.
Prayers for you Barbara, Brentoni, Brian & Becky. ❌⭕️🙏. -Jill Bender
I remember cousin Bobby (I never got used to calling him Bob) as being a big part of my childhood years, growing up together on the north side of Pittsburgh and living only a block apart. We shared so many good times together . We played in my grandparents basement and backyard every holiday and family celebration. We ate and laughed at the children’s table in Baba’s kitchen on those special occasions when all the family gathered...too many people to seat at the dining room table! We rode to church every Sunday in my Uncle Steve’s car, attended church picnics, and made our First Holy Communion together. I was always the only girl invited to his Birthday party, never to be excluded! Along with all the childhood memories, there will always be a special place in my heart for my dear cousin, Bobby. ❤️ -Margie Spirnak
Where do I begin?? Bob made a great impression on me as a person and as a teacher. I’m honored to call him my friend. He was a great mentor to me. I learned a lot about being a professional from being around him and watching how he carried himself and how he cared about his students. He was a man of few words but when he spoke I listened. One of the most valuable lessons I learned from Bob was that no one was going to remember me by the lessons I taught but rather by the relationships I built. RIP Mr. Spirnak. -Ricky Jojola
I have so much respect for Bob’s football coaching experience. He was so humble about his years at El Modena in their heyday. He was an even front defensive guy and we would have lively discussion because I was an odd front guy. He’s a coach from the old days—hours of film and tons of preparation. We really connected when I mentioned Medal of Honor Marine, John Basilone. Little did I know he was from Pennsylvania and Bob would share his memorabilia with me. He was proud of his home state. I will miss Coach Bob Spirnak. -Jess Leon
We are deeply saddened by Bob’s passing. Our family will miss his presence, passion for good food, good music, fun times and especially his dry, cutting humor.
I am sorry that I can’t think of one particular situation to relate to everyone. It’s difficult to express his impact on my teaching, coaching and personal life. So many experiences. Our families kinda grew up together. We shared many get togethers. We even got Bob to go on some family camping trips, and he only complained about the coffee once or twice.
I met Bob at McPherson, where we taught young minds, supervised dances, went to faculty parties, he introduced me to coaching and we became friends. We both graduated to El Mo, where he mentored me in athletics. We had many great experiences there, so many too retell. The summer camps, the academic semesters, so many students and such a variety of staff. But I especially remember game days, the booster parties (and the dreaded Saturday JV games). We also educated students. Bob always held the respect of his players because of his personal relationships, his leadership, and dedication to the sport. I learned so much from his example. Once we even rode around in what he called “the strike mobile” during a period of teacher unrest. Bob taught me about hockey, and how to dislike “leaners”. I can still hear that disgruntled fan the first years “just ice the puck”. Bob did love the ponies. We hardly ever missed the Derby or the Breeders Cup by going to Los Al. Good times, I even won some money, I think once.
Myself, Sue and my girls will really miss Bobby. He and his family was and still are a irreplaceable part of our memories and our lives. -The Koopmans
I always remembered him as a true giant of a man. Heading over after school or on the weekends he seemed to tower of all of us, even if he wasn’t taller than you. His presence was always felt, it was like being around a real life mythological Nordic God. -Scott Volmer
Bob and I have been friends for 33 years. Our friendship began when Bob came to El Modena High as a Special Ed. Teacher and football coach. He was a defensive coach and was responsible for the development of many of ELMO’s outstanding defensive lineman, some of whom went on and had outstanding careers playing in college. Bob was also a great Special Education teacher. I remember one student athlete we had that was having a terrible time remembering plays. The skill of the athlete was undeniable, but his problem remembering plays really gave him problems. Bob decided to test this athlete for a learning disability and found he had slipped through the cracks to his junior year In high school. Bob started working with this student and not only did he go on to have outstanding junior and senior years in football, he went on to college. Bob’s care and tutelage profoundly change this student’s life. This student was one of many Bob had this effect on.
Outside of coaching, Bob and I spent many hours talking about our families, politics, work, and life in general. We ended up coaching at three different high schools together and I can say without a doubt the experiences we had kept us, young at heart and with smiles on our faces. I will always remember my friend Bob Spirnak as a man of high integrity, strong conviction, and undying loyalty to his students, friends, and family. I will deeply miss my friend Bob Spirnak.
To Barbara , Becky, Brian, Brent, my prayers are with you all at this very sad and difficult time. Bob was such a wonderful friend to Bill and me. We will cherish our beautiful memories that shared throughout the years. We are so honored to have been his friend. He will be missed so much. Prayers to all. - Debbie & Bill Backstrom
I only knew Uncle Bob for the last few years, but in that short span of time, I came to see how good of a person he was. Whenever we saw him, he loved to talk about the family and his love of sports. He was always appreciative of my sarcasm and handled the trash talk from the Taylor family whenever he would join our March Madness or Playoff Hockey pools. One of my first (and favorite memories) of Uncle Bob was seeing him dance with the Phillie Phanatic at our wedding. He was a good sport and was initiated into the Philly sports world when the Phanatic buffed his bald head! Whenever Uncle Bob sent me an email, he always signed off by asking me to give hugs to Stef and Abby. With that being said, Stef, Abby and I are sending hugs to Aunt Barb and all of the Spirnaks. We will miss Uncle Bob, but will always find joy in knowing what a great family he has to carry on his legacy. -CJ Taylor
So many stories.....! But the best were the track days. Every year on opening day we would go to opening day at Del Mar. Dragging the beer cooler down to the lower stands and taking it home empty. But then the track changed. Opening Day became untenable (too many people), and worse, coolers were banned. Nevertheless we kept up the tradition of at least a yearly visit to the track for years. It'll never be the same.
Nor will Penn State football. Spermi loved the Nittany Lions just like the rest of us, and suffered through each of the losses as we did.
Part of my life is clearly gone, and I will miss it (him)! -Mickey Blech
Bob was my first cousin. Growing up in Pittsburgh, there were 12 of us. We all have memories of going to our grandparent’s house for special events and holidays. We formed bonds then that are strong to this day, despite being thousands of miles apart. Bob moved to New Jersey when in his early teens, went on to play football at Penn State (with teammate Franco Harris) and we lost touch for many years. When I moved to California in 1981, Bob was already here with his lovely bride Barbara, and ever since then, we would get together from time to time.
We would gather when family visited from back East, or to watch a Steeler game, for Thanksgiving, or Denis and I would just to hang out with Bob, Barb, Brian, Brent and Becky. Bob always had his bocce balls handy and there was usually a very competitive game. Bob and Barb created a beautiful and loving family that I am so happy to have been a part of.
Bob’s passing leaves a big hole in my heart and in our family tree, but our memories of him are forever. - Paula Houck
Our time with Bob and Barbara goes back 40 years ago during his teaching career at Midland School. Like the presence he made during his teaching time in California, Bob was also a big presence in the small school , Midland , back east in Whitehouse New Jersey.
As the head of the PE department , Bob developed a meanful program there meeting a variety of needs for the population that he taught. He also brought his skills to the teachers in the school in an after school fitness class. I remember thinking that Bob is yearning for a football team as he drilled us through a hefty workout.......ugh......one that left us all dragging after a draining day in the classroom 😊
Then there was also the after school knock hockey competitions ........see Bob loved to compete and he held no mercy for any of us when it came to winning ........it was full out competition and all of us who played fully enjoyed this stress reliever and source of competitive fun!
During his time at Midland, he fell in love with a fabulous teacher and good friend of mine there, Barb. We were happy for the two of them but sad when their love and marriage took them to California where Bob's beautiful tribute honors the wonderful life they built with each other out their😘❤️
Far away from them, only letters and cards gave us a glimpse into the truly wonderful life they had. All the pictures seen in his tribute spokes more then words and revealed to Ed and me just how happy Bob and Barb were. How wonderful it was to see the beautiful family their love produced and the memories with them. ❤️
Seeing all the pictures was a bit bitter sweet for both of us however, as we often talked about getting out to the west coast and planning a visit with the both of them. Busy with our own growing family, though verbal plans were made we never finalized any of the trips. Sadly , we regret not acting upon these things and never made the trip we should have . For this we are so sorry, Barb and sad that we never got to meet your beautiful family and to spend time again with the both of you. We are , however, happy that the move you made years ago and the life you built together grew into years of love, happiness, and beautiful memories.❤️
To the Spirnak family, we send our heartfelt condolence for your loss. May your beautiful memories of Bob support you all through this period of loss and may you continue to live life to the fullest as Bob did and would want you all to do . Our thoughts and prayers are with you all now .
Sue and Ed Faulkner❤️🙏🏻
Brian and I have been close ever since we played baseball freshman year in high school. Through this, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to get to know Bob. He was a very kind and thoughtful man who genuinely cared about people. He always inquired about what was going on in my life, and didn’t ask just to be polite. Rather, he was actively engaged in our conversations and appeared to be very happy for any joyous moment in my life. Brian, Bob and I had several great conversations while watching football and that will forever bring a smile to my face.
I believe Bob’s legacy as a genuine, caring and thoughtful person will live on through his children. I’ve experienced it with Brian and believe his siblings have the same qualities.
Jason Baum
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing we were friends in high school and lost track of our lives as time passed My best and prayers to you and many good memories as I read you have. Be happy and know he is with our lord and safe watching over all of his family. A great person and good to all to hear of Bob’s passing . I pray for your family at this sad time. ❤️
Sondra Naismyth Bialy.
Had many classes with Bob during our years at BR-West... great sense of humor and all around nice guy... RIP my friend...
Frank Burns
Had many classes with Bob during our years at BR-West... great sense of humor and all around nice guy... RIP my friend...
Frank Burns
What a great guy! A gentle giant, & if you met him, you liked him; you had a true friend. Despite his athletic prowess, he was humble. I’m sorry to hear of his passing
Kevin Lynch
I had the privilege of knowing Bob in high school and calling him a friend. I could not begin to improve on all of the beautiful and heartfelt tributes that I am reading here. Bob was a wonderful and much loved classmate by all who knew him! My most sincere sympathy to all of his family! I am sure that you receive great comfort in knowing what an exceptional and beloved man he was!
Lynne Moore - Class of ‘67
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