Robert Benjamin Naru

Alma, MI

Robert Benjamin Naru, 77, of Alma, MI, and longtime resident of Edmore, MI, died on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 in Benson, AZ.

A pillar of the community, Bob Naru was an extraordinary teacher, coach, athlete, craftsman, entrepreneur, husband, father, grandfather and friend that could always be counted on. He was a man who earned the love, respect and admiration of hundreds of students, colleagues, friends and family he touched in over 50 years of living in and serving the greater Edmore community.

After serving two years in the U.S. Army in Europe, Bob moved to Edmore in 1956 along with his wife, Marguerite. For 12 years, Bob taught math and coached football at Edmore High School. After his successful teaching and coaching career, Bob ran a thriving local business, Edmore Tool & Grinding.

Born in Detroit as the third of four boys of immigrant Polish parents, Bob learned to be industrious to survive. Blessed with great athletic skills, he earned a full scholarship to Alma College to play both football and baseball, where he starred as a halfback and catcher, earning Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association honors seven times. In recognition of his outstanding athletic achievements, Bob was selected as an inductee to Alma College's Sports Hall of Fame in its inaugural year in May 25, 1971.

Bob was a faithful and founding member of St. Margaret Mary's Catholic Church in Edmore, a 50-year member of the Alma Elks Club, a member of The American Legion, VFW, Knights of Columbus, Lions Club and numerous other service organizations.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Marguerite Phillips Naru and infant daughter, Mary Naru; his parents, Bruno Casmir Naru and Frances Gill Naru and brother, Bruno Naru Jr. He is survived by his children: Stephen Robert Naru of Newburgh, NY and his wife, Barbara, Catherine Naru of Tucson, AZ and James Leo Naru of Middleville, MI and his wife, Patricia. Bob was the loving grandfather of seven grandchildren: Lauren, Ryan and Stephanie Naru, Amelia Eastman, Marina, Jessica and Julia Quick. He is also survived by two brothers, Carl Naru of Garden City, MI and Gilbert Naru of Lexington Park, MD and his wife, Anne.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 27, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Brigham Funeral Chapel, Edmore, MI. Rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. and also on Tuesday at church one hour before Mass begins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 28, at St. Margaret Mary's Catholic Church, Edmore, MI, with Father A. Britto as the celebrant. Interment will be in Vinewood Cemetery, Edmore, MI, beside his wife, Marguerite.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bob's name to Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc., 800 Stony Brook Ct., Newburgh, NY 12550 or the Alma College Athletic Program, 614 W. Superior St., Alma, Michigan 48801.