ROBERT BLASER BROSNAHAN

1937 - 2017

ROBERT BLASER BROSNAHAN

1937 - 2017

BORN

1937

DIED

2017

ROBERT BROSNAHAN Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 1, 2017.
BROSNAHAN
ROBERT BLASER
"THE BROZ"
Age 79, of Washington, formerly of Knox, Pennsylvania died Monday, May 29, 2017, in the Washington Hospital after a brief illness. He was born June 8, 1937, in Grove City, the son of the late Robert C. and Kathryn Blaser Brosnahan. Mr. Brosnahan was a graduate of Keystone High School in Knox, Pennsylvania, Clarion University and Duquesne University with a Master's Degree. He was a Curriculum Leader and English Instructor at Upper St. Clair High School for 42 years until his retirement. After his retirement, he taught at Chatham University and Allegheny County Community College. He also served in Washington in the Reserve. Mr. Brosnahan and his family lived in Bethel Park from 1965 until 1998 at which time they moved to Washington. He enjoyed reading, traveling, volunteering at Washington Hospital where he served on the Auxiliary Board, was a member of the Friends Book Club for 20 years and was also on the Board at the Village on the Green. Mr. Brosnahan was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church where he served on the Education Committee and served as a Eucharist Minister. He also served as a Eucharist Minister at St. Thomas Moore. Mr. Brosnahan was indeed a family man. Nothing made him happier than his time spent with his wife, children and family and his nine grandchildren. They were the love of his life. On December 28, 1963, he married Carol K. Kopenshek Brosnahan who survives. Also surviving are a son, Sean (Julianne) Brosnahan of Washington; two daughters, Kelly (Jason) Rosenbaum of Washington and Molly (Jason) Carney of Franklin Park; nine grandchildren, Caitlyn Brosnahan, Sarah Rosenbaum, Jakob Locante, Shane Brosnahan, John Rosenbaum, Grace Rosenbaum, Trevor Carney, Benjamin Carney and William Carney. Friends will be received on Friday, June 2, 2017, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the WARCO - FALVO FUNERAL HOME, INC., Wilson at E. Katherine Avenues, Washington, S. Timothy Warco, supervisor/director, Susan Falvo Warco, director, S. Timothy Warco II, director. A Prayer Service will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2017, in the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in the Immaculate Conception Church. Burial will follow in the Washington Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Washington Hospital Foundation, 155 Wilson Ave., Washington, PA 15301. Online condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com.

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Sign ROBERT BROSNAHAN's Guest Book

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July 3, 2025

Nancy Ford-Digman posted to the memorial.

May 25, 2019

Anne Beck posted to the memorial.

June 12, 2017

Sandra Adams posted to the memorial.

Nancy Ford-Digman

July 3, 2025

I had to find out if Robert Brosnahan was related to Rachel Brosnahan. He was My English teacher at Upper St Clair high School. He always expected a lot from Me and tease Me in class.

It was an excellent teacher and stands out in My mind as one of the best teachers I ever had.

I'm now 77 years old and still remember Him vividly. From the time I heard about the actress Rachel Brosnahan, I wondered if He was related to Her, so I Googled their relationship. I was pleased to find out that They were related. Researching Him made Me realize the fond memories I had of Him as my English teacher back in the 1960's. He was extremely intelligent and witty, and I remember that to this day.

Anne Beck

May 25, 2019

I just mentioned Mr. Brosnahan last night. He used to say Whatever gets you through the night, Blondie. I said this to my daughter yesterday and laughed out loud remembering him. His spirit lives on!

Sandra Adams

June 12, 2017

We met in first grade and Bob and the Brosnahan family were good friends until we parted.
I will have Carol and family in my prayers
until we meet again in Heaven.

Caitlin Brosnahan

June 5, 2017

PapPap, you were the best grandfather anyone could ever ask for. You taught me so much, and I am beyond proud to say that you are my grandfather. I'm very happy that we had so much time during the 22 and a half years we spent together. We have so many great memories. You will always be in my heart. You will be very missed. I love you, PapPap.

Donna Evelsizer

June 2, 2017

Dear Carol,
I am so sorry to hear that you lost your husband. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Donna Weaver Evelsizer

Charles Adams

June 2, 2017

Mr. Brosnahan was one of the three or four teachers who had the biggest impact on me -- I'm not sure that I would have taken the direction that I did in life but for his inspiration and influence. He was a good and wise man whom I think of often, and will never forget. My deepest condolences to his family.

June 2, 2017

Carol,
I am shocked and saddened. Just had a call from M.G. to inform me of Bob's passing. Otherwise I might never have heard - you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. Carlene (and Bob) Stroup

lynda wilds

June 2, 2017

I had the ultimate experience of having Mr. Brosnahan for English way back when he first came to Upper St. Clair High School. It was about 1962,63. This was a man who expected you to do well and you didn't want to disappoint him. I believe he may have been the only teacher who made studying and homework almost enjoyable. I credit Mr. Brosnahan with my love of Shakespeare and my becoming an English teacher also. He was a man of the highest character and expected the same from his students. He was demanding and fair who perhaps saw in you what you couldn't, didn't see in yourself. He left many students with wonderful memories of his classes. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. God has called home an extraordinary man and He can smile and say, "Well done, Bob."

June 1, 2017

I am grateful to Mr. Brosnhan for the way he helped hone and shape my English and writing skills. I'm also thankful for his exposure to and instruction in classic literature. He was a true great!

Christine Roth

June 1, 2017

Without hesitation, I can say that he was my favorite teacher I ever had in class. His intelligence, wit and sarcasm combined with his compassion and love of teaching made his class forever memorable. My mother passed away about 7 years ago and much to my surprise, I received a handwritten letter from Broz in the mail offering his condolences. After being out of high school for 20 years at that point, he still remembered me as much as I remembered him. It just defines the true beauty within him. Rest In Peace Mr. Brosnahan. You will be so very missed by many. Sending my prayers of peace to all your family and friends

Kara Spak

June 1, 2017

I was terribly sorry to hear this. Mrs. Brosnahan, I remember you substituting for your husband and I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Brosnahan was an amazing teacher who inspired me to major in English and work as a writer, including for 15 years as a news journalist. He recognized an ability in me that I certainly didn't see in myself, and gave me confidence that I still call on 25 years after graduating from USCHS. May he rest in peace and may his family and friends find joy in the memories and what I'm sure are some hilarious stories you are sharing with each other.

Trudy Wagner

June 1, 2017

My deepest condolences.May he rest in peace.

Bart Miltenberger

June 1, 2017

So sorry to hear of Mr. Brosnahan's passing. What a special man and special teacher. He challenged me to be a better student and certainly influenced my decision to be an English major in college. I still use one of his aphorisms: "Whatever gets you through the night." Thanks, Mr. Brosnahan. I hope you knew the magnitude of your impact on those whose lives you touched.

Gavin Williams

June 1, 2017

Unquestionably the best teacher I ever had at any level of academics. He challenged me to think critically and objectively and didn't allow me to be lazy, but he did so without stifling my personality or creativity. He was a super person and a hugely influential figure in my development. My sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to his family.

Andy McVey

June 1, 2017

High school years were a period of angst for me. Mr. Brosnahan offered me a safe harbor and lit a fire under me. I have had many exceptional teachers in college and law school, but none finer than this man. I am grateful to have known and learned from him.

Anne Friday Beck

June 1, 2017

My fondest memory of Mr. Brosnahan is his wit and sense of humor. He always had a twinkle in his eye and made learning fun. My condolences to his family. Eternal rest grant unto him and may the perpetual light shine upon him.
-Anne Friday Beck, USC 1987

Ryan Williams

May 31, 2017

Absolutely the best teacher I have ever had at any level. A true inspiration to me and a huge impact on my life. Without ever having him, I would surely not be as optimistic, as curious, as complete a person as I am now. Brilliant man, funny, charming, just a fantastic all around guy.

May 31, 2017

My deepest sympathy for the family. im going to miss our little chats at the front desk. Joyce Mesko

Leah Fraser

May 31, 2017

Mr. Brosnahan taught four of six Fraser children while we attended Upper St. Clair High School. He was one of the best teachers I had and I have many fond memories of my experiences in his class. He introduced me to Shakespeare and taught me much about writing. My sincere condolences to his family.

Leah Fraser
Class of 1979

Carol Lucas

May 31, 2017

Carol, I was so saddened to hear of Bob's passing. I hope I am able speak with you sometime soon. Stay strong...my thoughts and prayers are with you

David Odasso

May 31, 2017

You are in our hearts and prayers.
With deepest condolences..
Love,
Dave and Steph

Dave Germeyer

May 31, 2017

May God place a healing hand over your aching hearts. I've enjoyed every moment I got to spend with Bob and his beautiful family.

Valerie Messer

May 31, 2017

Mr. Brosnahan was by far the best teacher I've ever had. He encouraged me to think outside the box and to always be true to myself. He recommended books that changed my life and gave a perspective on things offered by few adults to a teenager. I will continue to think of him often and with great fondness. As I'm sure all his students do.

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Warco-Falvo Funeral Home

336 Wilson Ave, Washington, PA 15301

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Sign ROBERT BROSNAHAN's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 3, 2025

Nancy Ford-Digman posted to the memorial.

May 25, 2019

Anne Beck posted to the memorial.

June 12, 2017

Sandra Adams posted to the memorial.