Robert A. Brunner

Having faithfully served his Lord and Savior more than 90 years, Robert A. Brunner reunited with brothers John, Erv, Bill, Ab, Art, Dick, sister Delores Pelyhes, son-in-law Jerry Kline, and granddaughter Karen Elizabeth Williams to commence his eternal celebration on June 6, 2011. While encouraged by St. Paul's words that Bob's joy is now complete and the race has indeed been won, nevertheless those who remain experience a certain emptiness for his place in our hearts can never be replaced.

Bob's family roots trace back to Germany and he was born to second generation Americans John and Magdalene Brunner on August 6, 1920. He grew up in South Akron and graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1939. Part of the Greatest Generation, Bob answered the call to duty and provided his country with honorable service in the Army during World War II as a chaplain's assistant in the Pacific Front.

Thereafter, he worked at different jobs before settling into a career as a salesman for Automotive Supply and Equipment, retiring in 1984 with more than 25 years service. While attending the Young People's Club sponsored by St. Peter's Catholic Church, he met and later married the woman of his dreams, Mildred Hippley. They shared 64 wonderful years together including card club, trips, and visits throughout the United States to see relatives and enjoying the company of good friends.

Faith and family were integral values for Bob and were manifested in all of his activities. He participated as a volunteer in St. Bernard's Hunger & Pantry program making sandwiches for the poor and was a member of the Social Justice Committee. As an active parishioner first at St. Peter's and later St. Bernard's, he served as a commentator at Sunday Mass. He also was a member of the Legion of Mary and an altar server. Always forward thinking in his religious views, Bob inspired and challenged fellow parishioners by his example of devout worship, dedication to living gospel values, and selflessness when seeing others in need.

Blessed with five children, Edward (Linda), Dorothy Black (Jim), Margaret Williams (Brian), Lois Kline (Jerry), and Robert (Brenda), he and Mildred successfully instilled in them a similar appreciation of faith and family. They were raised in a loving environment where each one's particular abilities and talents were fully cultivated. There are fond memories of Sunday hikes, baseball in the backyard, spirited intra-family games, and summer vacations. Despite a glaring lack of musical talent, Bob frequently woke his children in the morning with his off-key singing. He later shared this gift (loudly) with those who sat beside or in front of him at church services. All of his children remember and appreciate his compassion, sense of humor, generosity, and the indefatigable spirit with which he approached daily life, even when later deprived of his mobility and suffering failing eyesight.

Stranger was not part of his vocabulary as he always extended his hand in friendship wherever he went. Meeting him left a lasting impression for all who were fortunate to encounter his presence. Unabashedly progressive in his politics, the sincerity of his conviction could never be questioned.

Bob loved to watch local college and professional sports teams as well as play golf at various courses. He avidly participated in all kinds of card and board games including answering questions for the opponent. His famous fudge recipe was a true delight especially during the Christmas Holidays. His legendary sharp wit was retained even during the final weekend of his life. Asked, ``How do you feel?' -- the deadpan response ``With my hands!'

One of Bob's greatest joys was the gift of 15 surviving grandchildren: Jason, Alexis (Doug), Sara (Tom), Jeremiah (Jen), Emily (Trevor), Elizabeth (Les), Rene' (Jonathan), Anne (Josh), Colleen (Joe), Karl (Valerie), Joshua (Leah), Kurt, Stephen (Emily), Veronica, and Joseph. Each one was precious and special to him. Each has cherished memories of time spent with Grandpa during his/her formative years. Now grown, they still enjoyed conversing with him as well as receiving the valuable knowledge and wisdom he imparted which cannot be found via searching Google.

Bob's latter years also had the benefit of 18 great-grandchildren: Emelia, Loren, James, William, Rebecca, David, Edward, Benjamin, Frederick, Lorelai, Luke, Joseph John, Nicholas, Jordyn, Madison, Tyler, Sadie, and Caden. Cognizant of all their names, their pictures adorned his and Mildred's apartment. While many are too little to remember being held on his lap, they will later treasure a unique group photograph with all of them in it and Great-Grandpapa in the center.

Bob's other survivors include: sister, Rosemary Scichilone; sisters-in-law, Rita, Anne, Sandy, and Pat Brunner; brother-in-law, Marion Shultz; and many nieces and nephews. Bob was especially blessed with marvelous friends from church and residents of Annunciation Terrace Apartments.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers through the Passport Program who provided tenderness, compassion, and dedicated service during the past few years. Kudos are also expressed for the many relatives and friends who visited when Bob was housebound during his final days.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Anthony Funeral Home KUCKO-ANTHONY-KERTESZ CHAPEL, 1990 S. Main St. in Akron. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Daniel J. Reed on Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Bernard/St. Mary Catholic Church in Akron. Interment with full military honors will take place on Monday at 10 a.m. at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Memorial Trust or the Hunger Program at St. Bernard/St. Mary Catholic Church, 44 University Avenue, Akron, OH 44308-1609. Anthony Funeral Homes

Akron, 330.724.1281

www.anthonyfh.com