Dr. Robert Brinkmann Rosenberg, Bob to nearly everyone who knew him, passed away Monday, August 17, 2026 at the age of 89, surrounded by his family.

Bob was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 19, 1937 to Sidney and Gertrude (nee Brinkmann), and grew up on the South Side with his younger brother Richard.

He trained as a chemical engineer at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), culminating in a PhD in combustion engineering.

Bob had a long career in the natural gas industry at the Institute of Gas Technology (IGT) and the Gas Research Institute (GRI). He was a researcher, teacher, project manager, executive, and consultant. As an inventor, he held 13 patents. He authored more than 100 technical papers. Bob was a member of Triangle Fraternity and remained active throughout his life.

Bob worked across a wide range of his industry, from national and international energy research to innovations in household appliances. He developed the Eternal Flame that still burns at the Kennedy gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery. He helped develop The Blue Flame, a natural gas powered rocket car that held the world land speed record of 622.407 miles per hour, breaking the sound barrier over the measured mile. It remains one of the landmark American vehicles in the history of land speed racing.

Engineering was only part of the story. Bob was an accomplished cook, fly fisherman, gardener, reader, world traveler, teacher, and volunteer. He loved classical music and opera, remained loyal to the Cubs and Bears through thick and thin, and served his community.

A great outdoorsman, Bob fished trout streams in every corner of North America. He was an avid supporter of and an active volunteer at the Morton Arboretum.

On almost any weekend, Bob could be found in the kitchen cooking up a storm while opera played in the background. He was an assistant chef cooking at an annual James Beard Foundation Dinner under local fine-dining chef Gloria Duarte. He was the originator and chef of the long-running Dinners a l'Art events benefiting the Hinsdale Cultural Arts Council.

A long-time resident of Hinsdale and Burr Ridge, Bob was involved in a number of community pursuits. He was a founding member of the Hinsdale Cultural Arts Council, which became the Hinsdale Center for the Arts. Bob had continued involvement with the Center's grant committee for the regional Illinois Arts Council awards. Additionally, he was a member of the Committee of 100.

Family remained at the center of his life. He is survived by Maryann, his wife of 37 years, his children John (Suzanne), Debra Fernandez Kane (Bob), Mike (Laura), and Bill (Karen), his grandchildren Nicole Sanchez, Alex Rosenberg, David Rosenberg, Christopher Fernandez, Maggie Fernandez, and his great grandchildren Logan Sanchez, Emily Sanchez, and Penny Rosenberg. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Pat, and his brother, Richard.

He maintained friendships that lasted decades and helped build organizations and make remarkable projects possible.

Bob lived a full and impressive life. He is deeply loved, respected, and already missed.

A celebration of Bob's life will take place in Spring, 2027.

In lieu of flowers or other gifts, honorary donations to The Morton Arboretum are appreciated and can be made through its Tribute Gift Donation page