Robert David Stein

Robert “Bob” David Stein passed away at the age of 86, on December 2, 2025, in Tempe, Arizona.

Bob was born in Albany, New York on November 8, 1939, to Max Finkelstein and Dorothy Levitz. He graduated from Kenmore Senior High Schol in Buffalo, New York. Bob earned undergraduate and law degrees from State University of New York in Buffalo. While attending law school, he was on the law review.

Bob was a member of the ROTC while in college and served in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Bob’s career in criminal law began in New York, serving as a public defender and supervisor at the New York City Public Defender’s Office. Bob then moved to the New York State Attorney General’s Office in Manhattan, where he was an Assistant Attorney General. After moving to Arizona, Bob served as a public defender in the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office in the trial and capital units from 1996-2010.

Along with his wife, Annette, Bob traveled frequently both in the United States and around the globe. He was known to all as a gifted photographer, prolific reader, frequent raconteur, collector of coins, cameras, tinted photographs, and other memorabilia and as an avid Buffalo Bills fan.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Annette, and his brother “Mickey”. He is survived by his daughter Michelle (Lucas), stepdaughter Suzanne (Andy), stepson Brian (Sara), and grandchildren Savannah, Cameron, Claire and Jack, and his sister-in-law Nadine. He also leaves behind nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him dearly. A private Celebration of Life will be held in late February.

In lieu of flowers, we suggest the following organizations for donations in his honor:

• Phoenix Art Museum
• Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival
• The Alzheimer’s Association

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.