Robert Edward Blenner

COLUMBIA, SC - On the afternoon of February 5, 2016, Bob Blenner, 73, passed away from complications associated with cancer at Palmetto Health Richland Hospital in Columbia, SC. He was comforted by his family at the time of his passing. Bob was born in New Haven, CT on July 18, 1942. He was the second child, and first son, of Harry Blenner and Rebecca Werbelow Blenner, who both predeceased him. After graduating from James Hillhouse High School and then the Connecticut School of Electronics, Bob served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve at Fort Dix, NJ. Bob returned to New Haven where he met Sherrill Strogatz. They were married soon thereafter and moved to Sherry's hometown of Torrington, CT where they lived together for almost three decades. In Torrington, Bob owned and operated Torrington Scrap for 22 years. He was a member of the Torrington Country Club, Beth El Synagogue, served on several boards and civic committees, including former chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals, and was involved in many charities. Bob and Sherry moved to Columbia, SC in 1999. While in Columbia, Bob was a founding partner of American Metal Solutions. He was a member of Wildewood Country Club and Tree of Life Congregation. Bob was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a Freemason for over 50 years as well as a Shriner. He enjoyed traveling, playing cards, skiing, cycling and was an avid golfer throughout his life. His favorite activity was spending time with his family and friends. Bob is survived by his wife, Sherry; his daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie and David Bornstein of Charlotte, NC; his son and daughter-in-law, Jonathan Blenner and Tami Goldman of Los Angeles, CA; his four grandsons, Joshua, Justin, Leo and Max; his sister, Hon. Linda Johnson of New Haven, CT, and his brother, Stuart Blenner of Chicago, IL; and many family members and friends. A graveside service will be held on Monday, February 8, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hebrew Cemetery of Charlotte located at 1801 Statesville Ave., Charlotte, NC 28206. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312 or Autism Speaks, 1060 State Rd., 2nd Fl., Princeton, NJ 08540.