Robert Henry Brockelman, 83, of Bradenton, FL, passed away on April 29, 2022 of Alzheimer’s. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 57 years, Shirlee, a loving father and role model to his son Stephen and two daughters Felicia and Andrea, and a playful “Papa” to his six grandchildren, Shawn, Brigid, Jack, Samantha, Haidyn and Henry. Robert’s quiet strength, sense of humor, and unwavering dedication to his family will be greatly missed.

Robert was born in St. Louis, MO in 1938 to Henry and Helene Brockelman. He and his twin sister, Roberta, attended Mercy High School, where Robert starred in basketball and developed an affinity for mathematics. He graduated from the University of Missouri School of Mines & Metallurgy with an engineering degree in 1961.  He went to work as a metallurgist for the U.S. Army at the Springfield Armory in Massachusetts, where he met the love of his life, Shirlee, after spotting her across the lunchroom and working up the nerve to ask her out. They were married in 1964 and moved to the Boston area when Robert was transferred to the Army Materials and Mechanics Research Center in Watertown, MA.

Robert had an accomplished 25-year career as a materials engineer for the U.S. Army. He published scientific papers and received numerous awards for his work on military systems to keep U.S. troops safe on the battlefield. Yet Robert’s family always came first. He enjoyed playing sports with his children and coached their baseball and softball teams, maintaining his calm demeanor no matter the score. His math expertise came in handy helping his children through the toughest physics and calculus courses in high school.

Aside from his family, one of Robert’s passions was gardening. With his “green thumb”, he cultivated an ever-expanding garden that provided an abundance of delicious vegetables throughout the summer and autumn. He and Shirlee also created a yard full of beautiful flower gardens that were the envy of the neighborhood.

Few things gave Robert more satisfaction and pride than his ability to build or fix just about anything. He kept the family cars running for decades with equal parts ingenuity and mechanical knowhow. He accomplished a long list of projects at the family home of 35 years, including a new kitchen skylight, an extra bedroom, a three-season porch, a brick patio, and a deluxe shed. Robert would throw himself into these projects with his trademark patience and attention to detail, teaching himself how to do them in an age before YouTube. Contractors or repairmen were rarely seen at the house because Robert could do it all.

Robert and Shirlee retired to Perico Bay Club in Bradenton, FL in 2003. He was a valued member of the community, serving as a board member and pool director responsible for keeping their Association pool in tip-top condition. He loved walking for miles in nearby Robinson’s Preserve and the beaches of Anna Maria Island, remaining in excellent shape until the last few years of his life. Robert and Shirlee, always a perfectly matched pair and the best of friends, loved nothing more than enjoying each other’s company while making the most of retirement. Their travels took them up and down the East Coast to visit their children and grandchildren, to national parks across the country, to Europe, and on Caribbean cruises. They also enjoyed attending theater productions and live music events. Mostly, though, they were comfortable at home, watching their favorite TV shows, rooting for their beloved Boston sports teams, and treasuring views of the bay from their lanai.

Robert’s family and friends feel immensely blessed to have shared so many life lessons, special experiences, and hearty laughs with him throughout the years. He is survived by his wife, Shirlee; children, Felicia Waldron (Michael) of St. Augustine FL, Stephen Brockelman (Pamela) of Falls Church VA, Andrea Malcolm (James) of Bradenton FL; grandchildren Shawn and Brigid Waldron, Haidyn and Henry Brockelman, Jack and Samantha Malcolm; a brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Helene Brockelman, and his sister Roberta Brockelman. His family will hold a Celebration of Life in Florida at a future date.

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