Obituary of Robert Lyle Rush

August 9, 2024

Robert Lyle Rush

July 26, 1954 – August 9, 2024

Robert Rush, 70, passed away on August 9. Rob lived his life exactly as he wanted: He knew what he wanted to do, and he did it. Born in Manhattan to Betty (née Moyer) and Alvin Rush, Rob was the second of three brothers (Bruce and Jeffrey), and spent his early years in New York before the family relocated to Los Angeles.

After graduating from University High School in LA, Rob returned to New York City to attend Columbia University. He excelled in his studies and developed a love for English literature. After sophomore year, Rob decided to leave the university—and the country—and lived in a tent on a beach in Mexico for a few months, before enrolling at Stanford to make up his missing credits. He eventually returned to Columbia to complete his degree and graduated on time with the rest of his class in 1976.

During his senior year at Columbia, Rob began construction on a house in the Berkshires, the first of numerous design, construction, and renovation projects he oversaw across his life. He received his J.D. from Columbia Law School in 1980, and practiced real estate law at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett and the Patrician Group before being named general counsel at Herrick Feinstein.

Rob married Renee Berliner in 1985. Together they have a son, Wylie, who was the pride and joy of Rob’s life. Rob retired from his career as a lawyer, and chose to stay home and raise Wylie. When Wylie entered school, Rob decided to further explore his creative life, beginning a serious study of oil painting at the Art Students League. His many masterful portraits of friends, family, and fellow artists hang on the walls of his elegant pre-war apartment, as well as in the homes of those lucky few who commissioned them.

Rob’s first marriage ended in divorce. A year later, he re-connected with Deirdre Dempsey, an old flame from college, after a chance encounter on the uptown #1 subway train. They were married in 1997, and spent the rest of their lives together, wandering the world and the city they loved, hand in hand.

In addition to his wife and son, Rob is survived by his stepdaughter, Sarah Keljikian, brothers Bruce (Lynn) and Jeffrey (Mary Ann), as well as his nieces, nephews, and numerous friends. A small memorial will be held, but we encourage anyone reading to raise a glass to him. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Nature Conservancy, one of Rob’s favorite charities.

Rob’s many skills and talents seemed to come easy to him, which may have inspired jealousy in some, but only admiration in those who knew and loved him. Rob was passionate about music, art, movies, and toy collecting. He was obsessed with The Beatles, and knew how to make those around him laugh with his endearingly warped sense of humor. Rob isn’t on the planet anymore, but he will never leave the hearts of those who loved him.