Robert Wilk Obituary

Robert Wilk
March 3, 1934 - July 13, 2022
Resident of Walnut Creek
Robert (Bob) Michael Wilk passed away on July 13, 2022 after a long battle with leukemia.
Bob was born in Bridgeport, CT and moved to Eagle Rock, CA as a child, attending Eagle Rock HS. After school, he joined the Coast Guard and fought in the Korean War before marrying Nessa Lerner in 1958 and getting his bachelor degree at Cal State LA. In 1964, he made the bold move of moving with his wife and 4 year old son Kevin, to teach in Kenya for 2 years. His son Brett was born in Nairobi, with the Jewish community from the Nairobi Synagogue and American embassy coming together to celebrate with a bris.
Following that, he and Nessa traveled through Israel and Europe with their 6 year old and one year old sons, while staying in people's homes on "Europe on $5 a day." Bob then moved the family to Thousand Oaks CA and taught history at Agoura HS while achieving his Masters Degree in African Studies at UCLA.
In 1971, the family moved to Amherst, MA and Bob achieved his Doctorate of Education at the University of Massachusetts. The family moved once again in 1973 to Lafayette, CA and Bob helped open California HS in San Ramon, while teaching history/government and becoming Dean of Students, inspiring many students along the way. In 1975, Bob found his career passion and began his long career in marriage and family counseling.
Eventually moving to Walnut Creek and joining Congregation B'nai Tikvah while singing in the choir, Bob and Nessa made their forever home here.
Bob and Nessa traveled throughout the world visiting dozens of countries, and making friends wherever they went. Throughout it all, Bob always followed the latest news, politics and current events, always happy to share his views with passion.
Bob is survived by his wife of 64 years, Nessa, son Kevin, daughters-in-law Jill and Karen, grandchildren Darielle, Shane and Micah, brothers Malcolm and Joel, and many loved nephews, nieces and lifelong friends. He was predeceased by his son Brett in 2017, with whom he shared his birthday.
Service and burial to be held at Gan Shalom Cemetery. Please call mortuary for more information.
Sinai Memorial Chapel
925-962-3636


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