WILMINGTON — Robert Warren “Bob” Brehmer, 75, U.S. Navy, UA 322, preceded in death by his beloved wife Shirley, passed away in his sleep during the early morning of Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020.
Born in Philadelphia, Bob spent the first 55 years of his life in South Jersey. A member of the U.S. Navy in the early 1960s, Bob was part of Airborne Patrol Squadron VP-21, flying in old P2Vs across the North Atlantic. After his honorable discharge, he returned home during the height of the 1960s where he met his future wife. Married in 1970, Bob and Shirley remained inseparable until her untimely death some 45 years later.
Bob was a proud member of Local 322, using his mastery of refrigeration and pipefitting skills during the construction boom of the 1980s and 1990s to earn the deserved reputation of a consummate journeyman. Most weekends, he was dutifully organizing his tools or cleaning out his work truck. At the turn of the century, he and his wife relocated to Wilmington, under the guise of semi-retirement. Boredom, however, precluded this, and he soon found himself working for Brunswick County Schools maintaining heating and air systems. After a proper retirement in 2013, Bob called it quits for good. He could usually be found sitting out back, watching his dogs, enjoying the weather.
Bob leaves behind two sons and five grandchildren, as well Janet, his big sister.
Bob was known for the love of his dogs over the years, folk music from his youth, British comedies, and Hannah-Barbera cartoons, as well as dangerously over-powered cars. Bob left an indelible impression of kindness and professionalism upon those he met, both colleagues and friends.
A remembrance ceremony will be held at a later time. And now, Dad, it’s time to rest. Please tell Mom how we miss her so, as you will be too.
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