Robert Lazarus

Bob was born on April 5, 1927, the beloved son of the late Hattie W. and Robert Sr. and dear brother to his late sisters Charlotte, Babette, and Jean. He grew up in Bexley and happily lived most of his life within the same few blocks. He graduated from the Columbus Academy, enlisted in the Navy, and got his BA from Yale University. He carried on the family retail tradition by working for the F & R Lazarus Co. and then Macy’s from 1950 through the rest of his life. He was a proud merchant and took special satisfaction from representing Lazarus in the Columbus community.

He married Mary Kohn in 1953, and this year they celebrated 60 years of loving partnership. In addition to Mary, he is survived by his four children: Robert III “Trip” (Lexie), Molly (Craig), Jerry (Maria), and Susan (Aongus); 6 grandchildren: Jessica (Dave), Kyla, Aaron, Ciara, Sarah, and Dara; brothers-in-law Howard and Jerome Kohn; and many nieces and nephews. Whether known as Bobby, Dad, Unkie, or Bob Bob, his love and support for his family will be a comforting memory for all.

Bob also leaves a legacy of sustained and extraordinary civic leadership that has benefitted Columbus and beyond. His dedication and service to downtown Columbus included leadership in the Greater Columbus Convention Center, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants and the United Way. He was inducted into the Columbus Hall of Fame in 1999.

He was an unfailing advocate for racial justice and equal rights, from his early involvement with the United Negro College Fund and the Urban League to his later help in establishing the Martin Luther King Performing and Cultural Arts Complex in Columbus. Bob also was particularly proud to serve on the Community Shelter Board, whose innovative and collaborative approach to end homelessness has become a model for agencies nationwide.

His commitment to the arts in Columbus led him to spearhead efforts to save the Ohio Theater, the Southern Theater, and lately the Drexel Theater. He helped establish the Jefferson Center for Learning and the Arts, which transformed a dilapidated set of buildings into a vibrant cultural center.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, December 22nd at the Lincoln Theatre (769 East Long Street, Columbus) followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA), the Community Shelter Board, Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, Mt. Carmel Hospice or a charity of your choice.