Obituary
Robert "Bobby" Chen, 43, of San Francisco, California, passed away unexpectedly on August 15, 2025. Born on July 22, 1982, in Taipei, Taiwan, Bobby immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of eight, bringing with him a spirit of adventure and determination that would define his remarkable life. Bobby was a pioneering software engineer and entrepreneur who co-founded two successful tech startups in Silicon Valley. His innovative work in artificial intelligence and machine learning earned him recognition as one of the "Top 40 Under 40" tech leaders by Tech Magazine in 2020. But to those who knew him, Bobby was so much more than his professional achievements. A passionate mentor, Bobby dedicated countless hours to teaching coding to underprivileged youth through Code for All, a nonprofit he helped establish in 2015. He believed that technology should be accessible to everyone and worked tirelessly to create opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds. Hundreds of students credit Bobby with changing the trajectory of their lives. Bobby had an infectious enthusiasm for life. He was an avid rock climber, completing some of the most challenging routes in Yosemite. He loved cooking and hosting elaborate dinner parties where friends and family would gather to enjoy his famous dumplings and hear his animated stories. His laugh was legendary—a booming, joyful sound that could light up any room. Family was everything to Bobby. He met his wife, Sarah Martinez, at a coding bootcamp where he was volunteering as an instructor. Their love story was one of partnership, shared dreams, and unwavering support. Together, they traveled the world, collected vinyl records, and built a beautiful life in their home in the Mission District. Bobby is survived by his beloved wife, Sarah Chen; his parents, David and Lily Chen of San Jose; his younger sister, Michelle Chen (Ryan) of Seattle and their children, Emma and Lucas; his brother, Thomas Chen of Los Angeles; and countless friends who considered him family. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Mei-Ling Chen, who first taught him about perseverance and hope. In Bobby's memory, his family asks that you consider mentoring a young person, contributing to Code for All, or simply taking a moment to pursue something that brings you joy. Bobby lived fully, loved deeply, and made the world better for everyone he touched.