

Robert Martin Rosenfarb
Television producer and writer
Robert Martin “Bob” Rosenfarb, a celebrated American television producer and writer whose work brought laughter and heartwarming stories into countless homes, passed away on March 3, 2026, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 74. Known for his significant contributions to beloved sitcoms such as “Who’s the Boss?,” “Head of the Class,” and “Step by Step,” his career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of American family television. In lieu of flowers, requests for donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research strongly suggest that Parkinson's disease was a factor in his passing or a condition he lived with.
Born on September 16, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York, Robert was the son of Alfred and Jean Rosenfarb. He was raised in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, alongside his beloved sister, Beth, in a close-knit family that nurtured his humor and deep sense of loyalty. In his twenties, Bob followed his dream west to Los Angeles, determined to make his mark as a television writer.
Through talent, persistence, and a gift for sharp, heartfelt comedy, he built a successful career in Hollywood. He was instrumental in shaping the narratives and comedic timing of some of the most memorable shows of his era. His dedication to crafting engaging and relatable content resonated with audiences, making his name synonymous with quality family programming.
Among his notable achievements, Rosenfarb served as a writer for the popular sitcom “Head of the Class,” which aired from 1986 to 1991. This early role showcased his talent for developing witty dialogue and compelling character arcs within a school setting. He later joined the creative team of “Who’s the Boss?,” where he contributed as a Supervising Producer and writer. The series, which concluded its run on April 25, 1992, benefited from his keen understanding of comedic structure and character development, helping to solidify its place as a classic sitcom.
Rosenfarb’s influence continued with “Step by Step,” where he held roles as both a writer and an Executive Producer. He penned episodes such as “The Un-Natural” in 1993 and served as an Executive Producer during the show’s sixth and seventh seasons, which aired from 1997 to 1998. His work on the series helped define its blend of humor and family dynamics, further cementing his reputation for quality family programming.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bob lived an amazing life filled with joy, humor, and love. He cherished his family, valued lifelong friendships, and had a deep appreciation for the craft and collaborative spirit of comedy. Those who knew him will remember his wit, his warmth, and the unmistakable twinkle in his eye when he shared a story or told an outrageous joke.
Robert Martin Rosenfarb is survived by his sister, Beth Savino; his brother-in-law, Jim Savino; and his nephew and niece, Jesse Dorfman and Rebecca Dorfman. His memory will continue to live on through the laughter he created and the lives he touched, enduring through the enduring popularity of the shows he helped create.
Those who wish to honor Robert's memory are invited to .
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