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Raymond Brokamp Obituary
Cincinnati - Raymond Brokamp, 91, of Cincinnati, passed peacefully on April 4, 2020. The entire community is invited to join in a celebration of Ray's life to be held on his birthday, Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020, at Walnut Hills High School, from 2:00 - 5:00 P.M. From humble beginnings growing up in Camp Washington as the son of a streetcar driver, Ray graduated from the University of Cincinnati and served in the U.S. Air Force before returning home to begin his career as an educator. His three decades working in Cincinnati Public Schools culminated in his roles as principal of Walnut Hills High School during a pivotal time in the school's history, and eventually assistant superintendent and interim superintendent. After retiring from Cincinnati Public Schools in 1987, he went on to spend the next two decades working as director of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber's Leadership Cincinnati program. He left an indelible mark on the community through his service on the boards of countless local nonprofits including the YMCA, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Hoxworth Blood Center, Inroads, Cincinnatus Association, Bridges for a Just Community, and the Literacy Network of Greater Cincinnati. His tireless civic engagement through these organizations and many others earned him a myriad of accolades and awards, including the Great Living Cincinnatian Award given by Cincinnati Chamber in 2009. Ray's deep and abiding commitment to the community of Cincinnati was surpassed only by his love for and devotion to his family. He was preceded in death by his wife of more than six decades, Pauline, as well as his father Joseph, mother Josephine and brother Joe. He is survived by his five children, Debbie Haffey (Dick), Greg (Nancy), Pam Giuliano (Rick), Jeff (Sherri), and Steve (Andrea), along with 21 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. A military veteran in US Air Force, eternal educator and selfless leader, Ray embodied the lessons he taught his family and students with a combination of gratitude and humility, and saw it as his privilege to have the opportunity to make a difference in the community he loved so well. In Ray's own words, "if you leave your life without any evidence of the fact that you've contributed to someone else, one would have to wonder whether you achieved anything at all." In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Rays memory by donating to: The Brokamp Family Education Fund, c/o Greater Cincinnati Foundation, 720 E. Pete Rose Way, Suite 120, Cincinnati, OH 45202; or at www.gcfdn.org. A Private Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated. T P WHITE & SONS Funeral Home serving the family.
Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Brokamp
21 Entries
DONALD L MCKENZIE
May 4, 2021
A gentleman in every sense of the word. I am compelled to call him Mr. Brokamp, as he was my plane geometry teacher at Taft High School in 1957. He opened my eyes to the world of math! He very ably played first base on a semi-pro team with my brother Jim. We need more Ray Brokamps in this world! Rest in Peace, Sir.
Debbie Liberi
April 19, 2020
I worked with Ray Brokamp at the Ed Center when he was an interim Superintendent. He was a man of great integrity. He made a point of knowing everyone and always addressed us by name. Tremendous leadership qualities. Not enough men like him in the world today. What a loss! Sending your family my condolences on his passing.
Heather Saal
April 11, 2020
God bless you and Dad.
Louis Rubenstein
April 10, 2020
WHHS 1971, graduates, my heartfelt condolences to the family and the community, a wonderful decent, intelligent man, made a big impact on my life, the Walnut community mourns
Suzy Dorwrad
April 10, 2020
What an inspiring leader in our community. He touced so many lives in so many way. I am so glad he was a part of my life. My prayers are with the Brokamp family.
Betsy SAAL
April 9, 2020
The Saal Family had the best neighbors in the world with the Brokamp Family on Moon Valley Lane. Memories are LOVE! My condolences to this beautiful family. Sincerely, Betsy Saal
Janet H Kent
April 9, 2020
Mr. Brokamp was an excellent leader in the Cincinnati School System. It was a real pleasure knowing and working with him at CPS. Condolences to his family. God Bless Him
Mickey Fleming
April 9, 2020
Mr. Brokamp was a true leader at Walnut Hills, balancing education and some degree of order with self expression and protest in the turbulent times of the late 60's. From riots after Martin Luther King's assassination and Jerry Rubin's visit to his alma mater to speak to students, to regular discussions about the content of The Chatterbox, Mr. Brokamp kept his cool through it all. Godspeed, Ray Brokamp, you left the world a better place.
MIckey Fleming (WHHS '71)
Ronald Mays (WHHS Class of 1969)
April 8, 2020
Mr. Brokamp was a true scholar and a real gentleman. I think of him often after these many years and how he just exuded leadership and a passion for teaching young people. When he was a student at UC he took a programming class from my father and he would often say to me "Please remember me to your father". Much more elegant than just saying, "Tell your Dad I said Hi". I use that term to this day and remember him every time I use it.
God Bless you Mr. Brokamp for all the lives you touched in such a positive way.
April 8, 2020
My sincerest condolences to the Brokamp family. My family's prayers are with you.
Brian Zakem
April 8, 2020
May his life be for blessing.
Bill Lyon
April 8, 2020
Ray's wisdom and presence were a gift to us all. Bill
A Great Man
It's not his title or his name,
Or the money that he makes.
It's not the house in which he lives,
Or the vacations that he takes.
It's what's inside that really counts,
Not the outer clothes he wears.
A spirit free, a heart that loves
And a soul that shows it cares.
He's not afraid to try -- to care,
To share what he has got.
That "There's good in every person,"
He practices without a thought.
He'll gladly offer his advice,
Though you're free to disagree.
A "spade to him is still a spade."
He'll tell you honestly.
He'll play to win or not at all.
The challenge makes him stronger.
And when the challenges aren't there,
He'll play the game no longer.
A great man's soul can never die,
Though his body must someday.
For in the hearts of those he's touched,
His spirit will always stay.
If you know a man who fits the bill --
A great man, through and through --
Then you're a better person,
For his greatness lives in you.
Bill Lyon
-- In tribute to the men and women who inspire us all by the way they live their lives.
Dorothy Battle
April 8, 2020
Raymond Brokamp was indeed an outstanding educational and civic leader. I offer prayers for his family's peace and comfort.
Dennis Wilson
April 8, 2020
I will always remember Mr. Brokamp as a gentle giant who walked the halls of Walnut Hills. God bless you Jeff and family.
Michael Cureton
April 8, 2020
My condolences to the Brokamp family. Cincinnati is a much better place because of Raymond Brokamp.
Rick Mosher
April 8, 2020
Steve, What a loss, your father was a man among men and always a role model. I hope you and your family are safe and healthy. Take care.
Sherry Nickum-Bucalo
April 8, 2020
Steve and the rest of the Brokamp family, so sorry for your loss especially in these times. What a wonderful example he was for all of us. RIP
Laura Rosenblum
April 8, 2020
I am sorry for your family's loss. I remember him as a kind and tolerant principal.
Kathy Merchant
April 8, 2020
I am but one of the thousands of people whose lives were made all the better by the opportunity to know and learn from Ray Brocamp. RIP.
Joy Harris
April 8, 2020
An outstanding man and wonderful Principal. He set an example as to what excellence in character and living meant everyday of his life. May his beautiful light and legacy shine bright forever more. RIP Mr. Brokamp. My deepest condolescences to the family.
Nick Sowar
April 7, 2020
My condolences to the Brokamp family. What a wonderful man! Godspeed Ray.
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
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Memorial Events
for Raymond Brokamp
Aug
2
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Walnut Hills High School
OH
Funeral services provided by:
TP White & Sons Funeral Home2050 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45230
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