Robert Brendel

1929 - 2017

Robert Brendel of Bethlehem, PA and for the past three years of Fort Myers, FL. Robert, the daughter of the late Joseph and Agnes (Dymek) Brendel, was born April 16, 1929 in Allentown, PA. Bob was a 1951 graduate of Fordham University earning BA Degrees in Economics and Philosophy. He worked in the sales department for the Bethlehem Steel Corporation for over 35 years. Following his retirement from Bethlehem Steel, he worked in sales for Walker Wire and Sidbec-Dosco finally retiring from the steel business at 75 years of age. Bob's energy and love of people prompted him to be an active, concerned, and caring member of both communities in which he lived. In Bethlehem, PA he served on the board of the Boys Club and on several different committees at Saucon Valley Country Club where he was a member for over 50 years. In Fort Myers, FL, Bob worked on several committees at the Fiddlesticks Country Club where he lived for the past 15 years. He supported, cared for, and served many people through the course of his life, visiting and phoning them sometimes for many years. Bob visited several of his old friends in nursing homes every couple of weeks, chatting with them about old times and telling them funny stories that would lighten their day. Bob's children and grandchildren will always remember his great sense of humor and all of the fun and funny things he said and did. His love of life combined with his always-ready laugh and positive nature brought joy and light to everyone he encountered. He loved his family and friends and made sure they were always loved and cared for. Bob loved people; that was his special gift. He made every person he knew feel important. He listened and remembered what they'd said and done and made sure to ask about it the next time they met or spoke. He loved golf - he played a few times a week for over 50 years. And he loved to play cards - gin and poker. For years after his Thursday evening golf group, he played gin as he had a couple of gins with his friends. Survivors: Bob will be dearly missed by his family: his daughter, Katie Brendel Hearn and her partner, Kevin Raines of Stewartstown, PA and Wadhams, NY; his daughter, Evelyn Brendel Jennes and her husband Erik Jennes of Aerdenhout, Netherlands; his son, Robert J. Brendel, Jr. of Ocean View, DE; and his five grandchildren, Anna Lou, Campbell, Everie, Elies, and Ella. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary, in 2013. Services: A Memorial-Celebration will be held at Saucon Valley Country Club in Center Valley, PA on Friday, March 31, 2017 at 3:00 PM. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718