Robert M. Weinberg

Robert (Bob) M. Weinberg passed away peacefully with loving family around him on June 17, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. Bob crept into retirement starting with his move to Seattle in 2003. While most of his Seattle time was spent in a volunteer capacity working on various civic issues, he could be referred to as the ‘Sentry’ for the universal public good. Bob was a man of extraordinary talent whose professional career, supported by his MBA and JD from Harvard, was primarily in Boston. He did however, begin his public service career working at the Executive Office of the President under the Johnson Administration. When that assignment was complete, he moved to Boston and became the head of the public policy staff of former mayor, Kevin White. Bob used his keen strategic instinct and progressive values to skillfully navigate between the political and business worlds of the city. He continued to serve Boston as the Founding Director of Public Management and professor at Boston University. Before leaving BU, Michael Dukakis appointed him as Chair of the Massport Board. But perhaps one of his most lasting legacies will be Post Office Square Park, an urban oasis for the enhancement of the urban public realm. The qualities that once made him one of the city’s most impactful civic leaders remain in abundance. If one visits Boston and “take(s) a walk downtown, through the Leventhal Post Office Square Park, to the concessions at the restored South Station and then across the Seaport District to the harbor, with Logan Airport in the distance, you would be experiencing the work of many people, but much of it exists because of the inspiration and drive of one man: Bob Weinberg”, as written by author, James Aloisi.

Post Office Square could be thought of as Bob’s signature piece in his immense professional portfolio. Bob was the first president of Friends of Post Office Square, a position he held for 22 years. During that time, he became involved with the national organization, City Parks Alliance, and served in various Board positions. In recognition of his many years of service and his personal commitment to improving urban communities through parks and green space, the Alliance has created the Robert Weinberg Scholarship at City Parks Alliance for a graduate-level student majoring in urban policy with applicants drawn from universities through the US including HBCUs. This will make it possible for the scholarship recipient to attend the Greater & Greener 2024 conference in Seattle. It’s yet again, an example of his legacy living on.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Jeannie Butler, daughter Katy Weinberg, son David Weinberg, and daughter by marriage, Jill Butler. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him but his influence will be felt by many for years to come.

A private Celebration of Life will be held in Boston at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Weinberg family.