Robert "Bob" M. Elkin

Robert (Bob) M. Elkin, brilliant and deeply kind, was someone who quietly made life better for countless people around him. He died peacefully at home in Asheville, North Carolina, on Saturday, October 11. He was 72. Bob was born on November 23, 1952, in Brooklyn, New York, to Herbert and Rose (Ginsberg) Elkin. A lifelong learner with a deep curiosity about how things work, Bob was fascinated by science and math from a young age, creating a science project on how computers functioned while still in elementary school at PS 249. He attended Erasmus Hall High School where he was editor of the school newspaper. Summers spent at his grandparents’ cottage by the beach in the Rockaways were among his happiest childhood memories. In 1969, Bob enrolled at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering and Management. He served as president of MIT’s chapter of the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity and had many roles, including Publisher, of MIT’s student newspaper, The Tech. Bob met his wife of 49 years, Eileen, while on an organized singles trip floating down the Apple River in Wisconsin. They married on June 12, 1977, and together raised two daughters, Hannah and Mollie, first in Minnesota, and then in Florida. Bob’s professional life reflected his intellect and versatility. He spent more than 20 years in leadership roles at the Minneapolis Star Tribune and the Miami Herald before moving into magazine circulation at Palm Coast Data. He later launched a second career as a management consultant serving small businesses and nonprofits, including the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce. Community was central to Bob’s life, and he was deeply involved wherever he lived. He was especially proud of the two decades he spent facilitating children’s and adults’ grief support groups with Begin Again in Ormond Beach, Florida, often saying it was his most meaningful volunteer experience. After moving to Asheville in 2017, Bob became active with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, where he helped plan its Leadership Asheville for Seniors program for more than five years and served on its Finance Advisory Committee. He also volunteered with the Buncombe County Council on Aging, helping people navigate Medicare, as well as with his synagogue, Congregation Beth Israel. Bob enjoyed hiking, yoga, dance and movement to music, and strength training, and his time at the Woodfin YMCA became an important part of his life in retirement. Bob is survived by his wife, Eileen Elkin; his two children, Hannah Zollman (Adam) and Mollie Levin (Matt); three grandchildren (Jonah, Alana, and Zoe); and siblings Barbara Elkin (Paul) and Steve Elkin (Tomi). A graveside funeral will be held on Sunday, October 19th, at 2 PM at Lou Pollock Memorial Park in Asheville, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s honor to direct service organizations serving children and families who are grieving.

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Robert "Bob" M. Elkin

November 23, 1952 - October 11, 2025