Philanthropist Guggenheim Dies in Newport Beach
Philanthropist Robert Guggenheim, a retired entertainment industry executive, died Tuesday after a long illness. He was 81.
Born in New York, Guggenheim was the grandson of the late millionaire industrialist and philanthropist Meyer Guggenheim.
He retired in Newport Beach’s Linda Isle and contributed time and money to numerous charities and community organizations.
Among the groups Guggenheim headed were the Big Brothers of Orange County and the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Orange County. He founded Angelitos de Oro, a fund-raising group for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Orange County, was president of the Newport Harbor Art Museum, served as a trustee at Chapman College, and volunteered for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Orange County.
Although his name could often be found in society pages for his work with charities, his 75th birthday party at the Balboa Bay Club with 300 guests also drew notice. Other news items featured his 9,000-square-foot home and art collection, his Japanese koi and an annual backgammon tournament he founded.
Survivors include his wife, Shirlee Guggenheim, and his son, Dan Guggenheim, of Newport Beach.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach.
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