Robert J. Emmons

1932-2025

Robert John “Bob” Emmons, Ph.D., a civic leader, businessman, professor, author, and philanthropist, died 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 grew up in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, later moving to Detroit. He earned degrees in economics from Wayne State University, a law degree from the University of Michigan, and a Ph.D. in economics from Santa Clara University. At age 29 he became vice president and general manager of Baskin-Robbins, where his leadership was quickly recognized.

He later served as CEO of Master Host International and United Rentals and subsequently led LTI Corporation and Smart & Final, Inc. He also founded the Institute for Management and Marketing Studies, consulting in 25 countries. From 1970 to 1981, Bob taught international marketing at the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business. After retiring from corporate life, he pursued philanthropy where he shared his knowledge with many non-profits in the community. He was Chairman of the Board of the Santa Barbara Foundation, Lotusland, The Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Marymount School, and the Florence Academy of Art.

He was honored to serve on many other local boards including the Mosher Foundation, CAMA, and Laguna Blanca School. Bob was named Man of the Year in 2010 for his impact on the community and he and his wife, Christine Emmons, were recipients of the Westmont medal and the Life Chronicles’ Father Virgil Remarkable Life Award in 2016.

A prolific author of eight books and several volumes of poetry, he also studied sculpture at the Florence Academy of Art.

Bob is survived by Christine; four children, Brad, Cathy, Christopher, and Ryan; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held September 11 at All Saints By-the-Sea Episcopal Church, Montecito.