Robert Laurence Ghastin

November, 1946 – December 10, 2024

Robert Laurence Ghastin, age 78, passed away on December 10, 2024, at his home in San Jose, California, surrounded by his loving family. After living with cancer for eight months, his passing marked the end of a life well-lived and deeply loved.

Born in Queens, New York, in 1946, Robert was the son of William Ghastin and Ruth Shearer. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sibling, George Cass. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Jeanne Ghastin; their children, Jennifer and Jessica; and his cherished grandchildren, Sage, Cade, and Emerson, as well as his beloved Yorkshire terrier, Anna.

With an adventurous spirit, Robert joined the U.S. Navy in 1964, where he traveled the world to places like the Philippines, Italy, and Norway. In 1971, he met Jeanne, and the two were married in June of 1972. Together, they built a life filled with adventure, living in places like St. George’s Island, Bermuda, Jacksonville, Florida, Sellersburg, Indiana, North Hollywood, California, and they finally settled in San Jose, California.

Robert earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Industrial Arts Education and Information Technology, building a successful career as a technical writer in Silicon Valley. He was beloved by his colleagues, who appreciated his humor and his famous “Bobisms.” In the last decade of his career, he found new purpose working with special needs children — a role that brought him immense fulfillment and joy.

Robert was endlessly curious and passionate. He was an avid flamenco guitarist, a motorcycle enthusiast, and, in his later years, a dedicated tortoise lover. He relished deep conversations about philosophy and politics, but nothing brought him more joy than his family. He was a supportive dad and "Papa," always present on the sidelines of rugby games, soccer, baseball, flag football, and roller derby. He spent hundreds of hours volunteering as a spotlight operator for the San Jose Children’s Musical Theater, where he had the best seat in the house to watch his daughters shine in their various productions. He was the biggest fan of his children and grandchildren, and his favorite place in the world was spending a day with them at Rio Del Mar Beach.

Robert had a rare gift for seeing the world through the eyes of children and often spoke of the importance of being “Zen” and living in the present moment. He loved all things Tolkien and shared that love with his grandchildren, reminding them that, "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us." His humor and wisdom left a lasting impact on everyone he met.

A private memorial service will be held at the Central Coast Veterans Cemetery in honor of Robert’s life and service. His spirit will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be profoundly missed.