Robert "Bob" Verne Bresnahan

     Robert (Bob) Verne Bresnahan died July 3, 2025. Born in Fargo, ND on August 29, 1935 Bob was the second of five children of the late Verne W. and Susanne (Hogan) Bresnahan family. Bob grew up and graduated from high school in Casselton, ND. He graduated from St John’s University, Collegeville, MN with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a commission as a 2nd Lt. in the Army Ordinance Corps in 1957. Bob took his basic training at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland and was then stationed in Mannheim, Germany. Upon discharge from the Army in 1958 he took a teaching and coaching position at Assumption Abbey High School in Richardton, ND.  Bob moved to St Paul, MN and completed a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Minnesota in 1961. He then took a position as Math Coordinator and teacher in Woodstock, IL where he met and taught with his future wife Beverly. In 1965, they moved to Dover, DE where Bob became a teacher and middle school math coordinator in the Dover Special School District (now Capital).  In 1969, Bob became principal of Central Elementary School in Seaford, DE. In 1975, he became an employee of the Delaware Department of Public Instruction (now DOE).  Bob retired from State employment in 1999.  He then took a position as Assistant Professor in the Education Department at Wilmington College (now University) for two years. Bob ended his career in education as an Adjunct Professor in the math department at Wesley College. 

     Bob embodied a robust love and strong devotion to family, community, church, and sports. He was also known for his sense of humor, often sharing jokes provided by his mother at various gatherings and was frequently requested to emcee for events which gave him the opportunity to display his comedic side and ham it up. As an educator, coach, church leader, and community pillar, he earned respect through his thoughtfulness and selfless kindness toward others. Active in sports programs for many years while his children and grandchildren were growing up, Bob rarely missed their games or school events. He was a coach for Dover and Camden-Wyoming Little Leagues, Holy Cross Church youth basketball program, and Kent County youth soccer program, as well as a member of various League committees.  

     Bob was a man of great faith and an involved member of Holy Cross Church, serving as youth Religious Education teacher, member of Parish Council (with a stint as President), Parish Finance Council, and on the original Liturgy Committee. For many years, he and Beverly were members of one of the Parish choirs. 

     Lovingly married for 57 years, Bob was preceded in death by his wife Beverly, and also by his parents and his brother Roger. He is survived by his daughter, Susanne Bresnahan Gruwell of Camden, DE, his sons, Jeffrey (Lisa) of Santa Maria, CA and Brian (Claudia) of Shoreline, WA. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Nicholas (Bekah) Gruwell, of Dover, DE, Lynsy Gruwell Oronzio (Ron) of Lewes, DE, and Brennan Bresnahan and Kelsey Bresnahan of Santa Maria, CA. Also surviving him are three sisters: Colleen Rios (Irv) of Sacramento, CA, Patricia of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, and Mary of Helena, MT.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, August 8, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Holy Cross Church, 631 South State Street, Dover DE 19901. Interment will follow at Sharon Hills Cemetery, 2928 Sharon Hill Rd. Dover, DE 19904. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution may be made to the Food Bank of Delaware, 102 DE Veterans Blvd., Milford, DE 19963. Online condolences may be made via www.pippinfuneralhome.com. 

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