Remembering Bob Newman
Bob Newman was a man who led by example, his family remembers. He didn’t do his volunteer work at the Anti-Defamation League and Jewish Federation of Omaha for recognition, he did it because it was important. He was religious about this work, and considered it his obligation to the community.
Edwin Robert “Bob” Newman, age 93, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2023, surrounded by family. He was born February 5, 1929, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Jule M. and Esther K. Newman. He graduated from Omaha Central High School in 1946. He earned a Bachelor of Civil Engineering at Stanford University in 1950.
Bob’s interests were varied: combining the intellectual and the artistic, where math and engineering coexisted with a love of music and museums. In his 80s he took up the piano again; he gave recitals well into his 90s.
After Bob returned from service in the United States Air Force he began working alongside his father, uncles, and brothers, in the family business, Hinky Dinky grocery stores. He helped lead Hinky Dinky to much success. He began as manager in its store planning and construction department, but had numerous different roles during his 22 years with the company. He was Chairman of the Board for his final 12 years with the firm. At its peak, Hinky Dinky had 18 stores in Omaha, three in Lincoln, four in Des Moines and about 15 in smaller towns.
After Hinky Dinky, he earned his law degree from Creighton University in 1979 and practiced patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret law, first as an associate, then as a partner in the law firm of Henderson and Sturm.
Bob was devoted to the idea of Tzedakah, the Jewish moral obligation to justice and philanthropy. The Anti-Defamation League, the Jewish Federation of Omaha, Temple Israel of Omaha, and the Southern Poverty Law Center were close to Bob’s heart.
Bob partnered with the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation for his charitable giving, including his LIFE & LEGACY commitment, the E. Robert & Phillis H. Newman Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment and the Phyllis H. & E. Robert Newman Endowment Fund.
Bob truly lived his life to the fullest, and he will be missed. May his memory be for a blessing.
