On December 22, Robert R. Glasser died peacefully in his sleep. He was born November 20, 1933 in Los Angeles to Jacob and Rose Glasser. Bob lived life to the fullest: After graduating from UCLA and serving a two-year commitment with the US Army, first in in El Paso and then finishing in Hollywood, he joined his father in the family-owned food importing, processing, and distribution business, Torn & Glasser.
For over 60 years, he faithfully started every workday at 2am, opening across from the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market. Bob epitomized “work hard, play hard.” When he wasn’t building the business, he maximized every opportunity to enjoy life. His affinity for the food industry extended to planning his days around meals, dining out and tracking the world’s most renowned restaurants. He was a natural explorer who spent extended time in San Diego, as well as extensively traveling Mexico and Europe with a focus on historical sites. He took great pleasure in gourmet cooking and enjoyed a keen appreciation for food, art, history, jazz and classical music, but his passions didn’t stop there. Bob was recognized by international publications as an expert model plane and ship builder. He took professional quality photographs on his travels, documenting and artfully sharing his discoveries with friends and family. Bob embraced adventure, from sport fishing to navigating the ocean on his catamaran. He avidly played and competed in duplicate bridge. He loved playing tennis, from his days at Marshall High School in Los Feliz, to playing with J.D. Morgan at UCLA, and then for 50 more years.
As a native Angeleno, he was “always a Rams fan,” and he remained loyal to his Bruins with season tickets to the Coliseum, Pauley Pavilion, and Rose Bowl for generations. To say he was a voracious reader doesn’t begin to describe how much he read daily and the knowledge and stories he consumed. Bob had a soft spot for animals and was an icon in the neighborhood for walking his dogs. He inspired those who worked with him, many of whom expressed deep gratitude for his friendship and guidance for decades.
But above all else, and most important to him, he was a devoted husband to Donna, beloved father to Fred (Mary), Greg (Lissette), and Lisa (Maarten), and adored grandfather to Gabriel, Andrew, Adam, Jacob, and Maia.
The Fresh Produce & Floral Council Staff & Board of Directors send their condolences to the Glasser Family.
