Robert H. Brien
Robert H. Brien of New Hope, formerly of Fairless Hills, died peacefully at home with his family by his side on September 20, 2022. He was 88.
Robert was a loving and devoted husband to Marion Brien for over 67 years.
They met at Trenton State College where both aspired to be teachers and fell in love. Robert graduated in 4 years with not only a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Arts, but a wife and his first daughter too. He was a bit of an overachiever.
He taught woodshop for a brief time and over the years, former students of his would seek him out to thank him for how he influenced them and changed the trajectory of their lives. Bob not only taught them how to build something out of wood, but also how to build a great life and overcome their obstacles.
“Bob” as his friends and family knew him, was raised in Somerville, NJ. He was a graduate of the Somerville High School. Bob was the only son of the late Mary Wickenhaver and Henry Brien, Jr. He grew up living in the same home for 21 years. His grandparents and aunt lived just a bike ride away, and his two best friends, Byron Brooks and Willy Long, were walking distance. They had a big impact on who he was to become. His family was always the most important to him. And his friends helped him develop his zest for adventure and willingness to take calculated risks to achieve his goals.
Bob was a resident of Fairless Hills, for most of his life. Together with his wife Marion, they founded Brien’s Trailer Sales in 1956, which they operated for over 40 years until they retired and moved to New Hope.
Not only was Bob a successful business owner, he was also an incredible father of his two daughters. Over the years, he also became a father figure to the many people he influenced throughout his life!
Bob enjoyed vacationing in Vermont for over 40 years, with family and friends in a home they designed. He loved the thrill of off-highway vehicles such as quads, snowmobiles, amphibious vehicles, and even go-carts and boats. Bob would frequently surprise his family with a new toy with an engine for everyone to enjoy.
Anyone who knew him, knew he could fix about anything, and if he didn’t know how to solve the problem today, he’d get the answer and fix it tomorrow. The world feels a bit broken without him, but Bob was first and foremost a teacher and so we all carry a bit of Bob’s knowledge within us.
In addition to his wife Marion, he is survived by his two daughters, Renee Barnes and her husband Mark and Dawn Dwyer and her husband Matt; three grandchildren, D. Jason Kerr and his wife, Kait, Wesley Kerr, and Erin Christy and her husband, Brian; and four great-grandchildren; Hunter, Theo, Lilly, and Addison.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Thursday, September 29, 2022 from 10:00am until his funeral services 11:30am at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 241 E. Butler Ave. (at Sandy Ridge Rd.) New Britain, PA 18901. His interment will follow in New Cemetery of Somerville, Somerville, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Association Greater Cincinnati Chapter, Online: www.alz.org/cincinnati, Phone: 800-272-3900, or Mail: Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Cincinnati Chapter, 644 Linn St., Suite 1026, Cincinnati, OH 45203 Payable to: Alzheimer’s Association. This Alzheimer chapter is wonderful, and taught us how to live in Bob’s world.
Morning Visitation
Thursday, September 29th, 2022
10:00 AM - 11:30 AMJoseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, New Britain
241 East Butler Avenue
New Britain, PA 18901Funeral Service
Thursday, September 29th, 2022
11:30 AMJoseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, New Britain
241 East Butler Avenue
New Britain, PA 18901Cemetery
Thursday, September 29th, 2022
1:30 PMThe New Cemetery of Somerville
192 South Bridge Street
Somerville, NJ 08876