Edwin Robert “Bob” Newman

Edwin Robert “Bob” Newman

February 5, 1929 – February 3, 2023

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.

After working as an engineer for a few years in California, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. After his service, he returned to Omaha to work in the family business, Hinky Dinky grocery stores.

Working alongside his father, uncles, and brothers, he helped lead Hinky Dinky to much success. He had numerous different roles, but he was particularly passionate about the many innovations Hinky Dinky helped introduce, such as combining grocery stores and department stores. He was very proud of how Hinky Dinky and his family served the local communities beyond simply selling groceries. He felt strongly that Hinky Dinky was a loyal and fair employer. He loved telling stories of the many former employees who started there and went on to great success. After Hinky Dinky, he earned his law degree from Creighton University in 1979 and practiced patent law until retirement.

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. He actively supported, advocated for, and held various leadership roles within these organizations.

He loved his hometown of Omaha, the Omaha Jewish community, Temple Israel of Omaha, the Jewish Community Center of Omaha, Husker football, golfing, skiing, fishing, playing piano, engaging in heated debates, and telling funny jokes. More than that, his love for family and lifelong friends defined him. He was driven by a huge heart to help the people around him and expressed his love through his genuine actions.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Esther K, and his father, Jule M; brother C.M. “Nick” Newman (Raquel); sisters-in-law Judy Newman and Carolyn Kully Newman; William Kully; Thomas Kully; Louis Horan (Verda).

He was a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather. He is survived by his dear wife of 46 years, Phyllis (née Horan); his 3 children with ex-wife Barbara Long: Mark Jeffrey Newman, Jody Esther Newman, Betsy Lynn (Jay) Smith; and 2 children with Phyllis: Maxwell Calvin Newman (Nicole), and Louis Henry Newman; 7 grandchildren: Margot, Robert, Emily (Martin), Ava, Oliver, Josephine, and Norah; 2 younger brothers, James Lloyd (Jane), Murray H (Sharee); stepbrother Robert Kully (Connie); Sandy Kully (Thomas) and Leslie Kully (William); brother-in-law John Horan (Janice); and sisters-in-law: Anne Runyan (Jerry), Eva Horan, Laura Jacobson (Jack).

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Tuesday, February 14th, 11:30am, at Temple Israel, 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive. Family Interment: Temple Israel Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Anti-Defamation League of Omaha and/or The Omaha Conservatory of Music.