Robert J. Brehl

Born in 1945 in Washington, PA, Robert was the son of the late Bernard F. and Ellen M. O’Leary Brehl. He attended Sacred Heart Elementary School in Coshocton and graduated from Saint Charles Borromeo High School in Columbus, OH. He attended the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN, where he earned his PhD in Biology.

Bob served in the United States Navy and the Naval Reserves in Pensacola, FL, and Fort Detrick, MD, retiring at the rank of Commander. Much of his career was spent in service with the United States Defense Intelligence Agency as an Intelligence Officer for the Medical Capabilities Division.

With his late wife Deirdre, Bob shared a passion for Irish Wolfhounds, breeding and showing dogs for many years as active members of the Potomac Valley Irish Wolfhound Club. Bob was fluent in Russian and German. He enjoyed traveling and was an avid reader, preferring titles that fed his interest in the sciences.

In 1972, Bob married Deirdre Murnane who preceded him in death in November 2007.

Robert is survived by brothers Bernard F. (Jeanie) Brehl, III, Kingsport, TN; John P. (Jane) Brehl, Scottsville, KY; Thomas R. (Paula) Brehl, Geneva, OH; Stephen V. (Marianne) Brehl, New City, NY; and one sister, Mary Ellen (Robert) Brehl Given, Coshocton, OH; as well as many extended family members including an aunt, an uncle, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bob was preceded in death by a sister, Katherine Brehl Corcoran.

Per his request, a cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held at Roscoe Cemetery in Coshocton, Ohio, on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 11:00 am. Father Thomas Gardner will be officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Coshocton County Veterans Honor Guard. Given Dawson Paisley Funeral Home in Coshocton assisting the family.

For those who wish, contributions may be made in Bob’s name to your local Animal Shelter.

An online memorial can be viewed at www.given-dawson-paisleyfh.com.