Rado, Robert Reed

The Spirit of Robert Reed Rado Departed this world and our mortal 
sight on Monday, January 18, 2010 surrounded by the Love of family 
and friends A Loving "Papa" to Joshua, Lauren, Michael and Samantha, 
Beloved Husband to Karen, Adored Stepfather to Katherine Martes 
and Joanne Genovese, Dear Brother to Gary Rado, Robert Bentley, 
and Clare Einsmann, and Good Friend to Many Within minutes of his 
death, a storm rained down on all of San Diego and word of his 
passing spread like circles on calm water. Family and friends made 
their way through the storm bringing comfort and final farewells. Bob 
was born March 10, 1953 in Santa Monica, California, to Hal F. Rado, 
a banker for Crocker Bank, and Helen McGrath Rado, executive 
secretary for Fox Movie Studios and CBS. Bob grew up on Blythe 
Avenue in Los Angeles and on Karen Drive in Tarzana overlooking 
the San Fernando valley. Bob and his brother Gary were altar boys at 
St. Nicholas Church in Encino, CA. Bob was also an avid little 
leaguer. One of his favorite childhood memories was pitching ball 
with his beloved Aunt Pam and the many Dodger games they 
attended together. Another important person in his life was his 
Grandmother Emma who he loved with all his heart. As a young man, 
Bob had a list of things he wanted to do and he did most of them: 
live and work at a ski resort, sail to Hawaii, run a marathon, parachute 
from a plane, hot air ballooning, swim with dolphins... Bob graduated 
from the University of Southern California in June of 1975. He made 
his way to San Diego and to a job at the Bali Hai Restaurant on 
Shelter Island where he met his soul mate and future wife Karen. 
Many years later, they were wed on the edge of the bay in the Bali 
Hai gardens on a beautiful Spring day, March of 1986. Bob worked 
for a short time as a stock broker for Dean Witter Reynolds in Los 
Angeles and as a Pilot Researcher for CBS. Bob spent the rest of his 
career in the Food and Beverage Industry working again for the Bali 
Hai Restaurant in San Diego, The Charthouse Restaurant in Cardiff, 
CA, Newport, RI, and Aspen, CO, then as Banquet and Catering 
Managers for the Hotel Del Coronado and the San Diego Convention 
Center, and finally as Banquet and Catering Manager and then Dining 
Services Manager for the University of San Diego. Bob enjoyed 
people and was very good at planning and executing big and small 
special events, and family gatherings. He was a gracious host. People 
who knew him or worked with him would all agree he was a kind and 
caring, patient and sincere Soul with a wonderful sense of humor. 
And although he is gone from our world, he will live forever in our 
hearts and memories. Bob's life will be celebrated with a memorial 
service and reception at Sacred Heart Church in Ocean Beach on 
Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at 11 a.m. All are welcome. In lieu of 
flowers, the family request a donation in Bob's name be made to: 
LakeView Home Hospice, Sharp HospiceCare Fund, PO Box 3739, La 
Mesa, CA 91944-9927. Bob's family would like to give a special 
heartfelt, grateful Thank You to every member of the staff at the 
LakeView Home Hospice, for the loving comfort and care they so 
graciously gave to Bob, his family and friends, and for making his 
final days so peaceful and perfect. Making our way to LakeView 
Home Hospice, guided by a Higher Power, was like coming home to 
a safe harbor.

Published in San Diego Union-Tribune on January 29, 2010