In the 1970’s, following a screening of a documentary about the Rosenberg Case, Bob Winston, a life-long social justice advocate, introduced himself to Robert Meeropol. What followed was a friendship lasting more than 35 years. And when Robert started the RFC in 1990, he chose Bob to become the first Chair of the Board of Directors.

Neither of them knew then that Bob’s leadership of the Board would last more than 20 years! Bob would go on to chair approximately 140 meetings, serve on RFC committees and participate in all of the RFC’s major public programs, whether they took place locally in western Massachusetts, or in Boston, New York City or Berkeley, CA.

Bob also attended other events, participated in countless consultations with Board and staff members and hosted the Board’s annual picnic with his wife Jan, at which he claimed to serve chicken with “all left wings and no red necks.”

Bob retired from the RFC Board in 2012, but continued to support the RFC and attend events. His death at 84 on June 25, 2026 following a brief illness was both a shock and a sad loss for the RFC and everyone who knew and loved him.

When Bob retired from the RFC Board more than 14 years ago, the staff created a short tribute video which is available here.

His obituary (available here), does a lovely job of capturing some of this extraordinary life and his deep commitment to social justice.

We’ll miss you, Bob, and we’re deeply grateful for your years of service to the RFC.