Robert Frank Ellowitz

Robert Frank Ellowitz, a gentle man who strengthened others in need as a mental health professional, died Nov. 5 in a car crash in Roseville. He was 63. Robert was born April 11, 1950, in Washington, D.C., to George and Irene Frank Ellowitz. He grew up in Southern California and attended Riverside Poly High School before moving and graduating from Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, Md. He graduated with honors from Hunter College of New York in 1980 and earned a master of social work degree from New York University in 1982. He began a life devoted to helping people as a social worker for Catholic Charities in Woodside, N.Y. He relocated to the Los Angeles area in 1987 and worked at Glendale Adventist Medical Center and Health Care Partners Medical Group in Pasadena. He joined Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco in 1997 and counseled people coping with work stress, eating disorders, HIV and other issues. He worked since 1999 at Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento in adult psychiatry, occupational medicine and the intensive outpatient program. Robert also supported others as an active member and sponsor in Overeaters Anonymous. He reached out with prayers, encouraging words and hugs as a beloved chaplain at Spiritual Life Center in Sacramento. He had a lifelong affair with theater that included an early career as a professional stage manager in Maryland and an acting agent in New York. He enjoyed posting Facebook photos of nature or street scenes from regular long walks and bike rides. He donated to animal welfare groups and volunteered for a time at the Sacramento SPCA. Robert was a sensitive man with an open heart who nurtured people and his relationships with them. He was devoted to his dog Bubka and cat Mokey. He was a source of strength, inspiration and unconditional love for his partner of more than 16 years, Bob Davila. Besides his partner, Robert is survived by his brother Jonathan, his niece Caylin, his nephew Gavin and countless friends. A Celebration of his life was held at 10:00 AM on November 16 at W.F. Gormley & Sons Funeral Home, 2015 Capitol Ave., Sacramento. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spiritual Life Center, 2201 Park Towne Circle, Sacramento, CA 95825; or the Sacramento SPCA, www.sspca.org.