Robert James Dexter

Robert (Rob) Dexter recently passed away at his home due to declining health issues. Rob was 66 years old. He was the 1st child of James and Lucille Dexter, born at Balboa Naval Hospital San Diego, California, and lived most of his life in San Diego. After attending Our Lady of Grace Catholic School for his elementary education, Rob graduated from Patrick Henry High School. Upon graduation, Rob served both in the United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy. In 1980 Rob was honorably discharged from the military. Rob continued his higher learning at San Diego State University and graduated with a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Anthropology. For his thesis, Rob wrote a book on the behaviors of Adolescent Chimpanzees. As you might have guessed, he worked for the San Diego Zoo for many years, which he very much enjoyed, often remembered by the family for his informal tours of the zoo along with the perks of the free employee guest passes, which we so much appreciated. Rob enjoyed lunches with friends and family, reading, traveling abroad, and traveling to London, England. Among his friends in San Diego, he stayed in touch with a childhood friend, Robert Hogan, who frequently got together and became slot machine buddies at the local casinos.

Rob enjoyed life; he had a warm heart and was never envious of others. He always celebrated other peoples' successes. Rob so loved and respected his Dad, and weekly would go and spend mornings with him, which often led to lunch together at his residential care facility. He always looked forward to spending time with his family for special occasions ad holiday gatherings at his brother Ray and Shelly's home. Rob grew up with many cousins and has fond memories of family gatherings with the Chadwick cousins and cousin Lee Trefzger. He was so proud and happy to be a groomsman for his brother Ray and Steve's weddings and attend his sister Debbie's wedding. Rob was also close to his cousins in Minnesota. He kept in contact with many of them by phone and e-mail.

Rob is preceded in death by his beloved Mother-Lucille C. Dexter, and his younger sister Roxanne M. Dexter.
Our brother Rob is survived by his father, James A. Dexter

Siblings
Deborah S. Newman (William)
Stephen W. Dexter (Michele)
Raymond K. Dexter (Shelly)

Nieces and Nephews
Carly Kline (Cody)
Ryland Kline-Grand, Nephew
Samuel Dexter
Grant Dexter
Eric Dexter
Tyler Dexter
Jazmin Jara (Rey)
Reynaldo Jara-Grand, Nephew
Ismael Newman

Rob had many relatives in California, Minnesota, Ohio, and Iowa.
Robert, who we know as Robbie, Rob, and even Bob, a beloved Son, Brother, Brother-in-law, Uncle, Nephew, and Cousin, will be dearly missed by his family, extended relatives, and friends.

To our brother Rob
You went away so suddenly
No time to say goodbye
But Brothers can't be parted
Precious memories never die.