The Woman Behind The Golden Bachelor, Dies at 71

Roberta Zaktzer, a loyal fan of The Bachelor franchise and a lifelong friend of Ellen Goltzer, passed away on September 10, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 71 years old. Her death came just weeks before the premiere of The Golden Bachelor, a new spin-off series featuring senior citizens looking for love, in which Ellen is one of the contestants. Roberta was the one who encouraged Ellen to apply for the show and supported her throughout the process. Her legacy as a friend and a mentor will be remembered by many who were touched by her kindness and enthusiasm.

A Friendship that Lasted Six Decades

Roberta and Ellen met when they were 11 years old and attended the same school in Freeport, New York. They became inseparable and shared many milestones and memories together. They both graduated from Valley Stream South High School and pursued careers in education. Roberta Zaktzer worked as an executive general adjuster at AIG for 10 years and later as a complex director at AIG Commercial Insurance. Ellen worked as a teacher at Great Neck Middle School and retired to Delray Beach, Florida.

The two friends remained close despite the distance and kept in touch regularly. They also shared a passion for watching The Bachelor and The Bachelorette and discussed every episode. Zaktzer was a huge fan of the franchise and dreamed of being on the show herself. She was thrilled when she learned that ABC was casting for a new series featuring older singles. She convinced Ellen to apply for The Golden Bachelor and helped her with the application and audition. She was confident that Ellen would find her perfect match on the show and was eager to see her journey unfold.

A Battle with Cancer that Tested Her Strength

Roberta was diagnosed with cancer in 2022 and underwent treatment. She did not let her illness stop her from living her life to the fullest. She continued to work, travel, and spend time with her family and friends. She also remained optimistic and hopeful about her recovery. She was determined to beat cancer and watch Ellen on The Golden Bachelor.

Unfortunately, Roberta Zaktzer’s condition worsened and she passed away peacefully at her home on September 10, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones. She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Esposita, her son-in-law, Michael Esposita, her grandchildren, Michael Jr. and Sophia, and her great-granddaughter, Mia. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Zaktzer, her brother-in-law, David Zaktzer, and her nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Richard Zaktzer, who died in 2015.

A Dedication that Honored Her Memory

The Golden Bachelor premiered on September 28, 2023, on ABC, with 71-year-old Gerry Turner as the first lead of the series. Ellen, 71, was one of the 22 women who competed for his heart. She dedicated her participation to Roberta and mentioned her several times throughout the show. She also posted a tribute to Roberta Zaktzer on her Instagram account, expressing her gratitude and love for her best friend.

The show’s producers also paid homage to Zaktzer by dedicating the first season to her memory. At the end of the premiere episode, a message appeared on the screen that read: “This season is dedicated in loving memory of Roberta Zaktzer.” A photo of Roberta and Ellen smiling together was also shown.

Zaktzer was a remarkable woman who inspired many people with her courage, generosity, and joy. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and fans. Her friendship with Ellen Goltzer was a testament to the power and beauty of true friendship. She will always be remembered as the woman who made The Golden Bachelor possible.

Details about Roberta Zaktzer Obituary and The Golden Bachelor

• Roberta Zaktzer’s funeral service was held on September 10, 2023, at Gutterman’s Rockville Centre Chapel in New York. She was buried at Beth David Cemetery in Elmont, New York.
• Roberta and Ellen Goltzer were featured in several articles and news stories about their friendship and their involvement in The Golden Bachelor.
• Gerry Turner, the first Golden Bachelor, is a retired restaurateur and a widower from Indiana. He lost his wife of 43 years, Toni, in 2017. He has two daughters, Angie and Jenny, and two granddaughters, Charlee and Payton. He is a fan of pickleball, golf, and Chicago sports teams. He was encouraged by his daughters to apply for the show after they saw the casting call on TV.
• The Golden Bachelor is a spin-off of The Bachelor franchise that features senior citizens looking for love. It is hosted by Jesse Palmer, a former Bachelor himself. The show was first announced in 2020, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It finally premiered on September 28, 2023, on ABC, and streams on Hulu the next day. It is the first-of-its-kind dating show for older singles. It is not to be confused with another Gerry Turner, who was an American children’s fiction author.

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