Robert Brook, Jr.

Robert Piper Brook, Jr., 67, of Mansfield, died Thursday, December 18, 2008, at Crestwood Care Center in Shelby. Born Dec 4, 1941, he was the son of the late Robert Piper Brook and Janie Weutherich Brook. He graduated in 1959 from Madison High School, where he played basketball and ran track and was awarded the "Achiever of the Year" by the local Junior Achievement Program. Bob attended Ashland College where he was a business major and captain of a twenty man intramural team; Thiel College in Greenville, Pennsylvania as a business major; graduated from Franklin University in Columbus in 1966 with a B.S. in Business Administration; and graduated with his Masters of Education from Xavier University in Cincinnati in 1971. He joined the Ohio Air National Guard in 1963 serving six years of active duty with the U.S. Air Force as an Accounting and Finance Specialist. While attending college, he worked fro Junior Achievement of Columbus as Branch Center Manager of the Northwest Junior Achievement Center. From 1966-1969 he served the Johnny Appleseed Council, Boy Scouts of American in Mansfield as White Buffalo District Scout Executive. During this time the membership increased from 1, 060 to 1, 391 and the number of units increased from 41 to 52. While working on his Master's Degree, he worked for Citizen's Committee on Youth as Education Director and achieved the position of Administrative Assistant to the CCY Executive Director. On September 21, 1968, he married Patricia Ann Ohly whom he met through FOYAL Federation of Young Adult Lutherans. Upon returning to Mansfield in 1971, Bob became the Director of Admissions for the North Central Technical College. Enrollment increased 38% his first year and more than doubled over his nine years of employment. In 1980, he became self employed as a manufacturer's representative with the Robert P. Brook Company from 1980-1996 representing 12 companies from Ohio to Canada. He retired from the Richland County Juvenile Court where he worked as Court Liaison while working part-time teaching business classes at NCTC. Bob was president of Franklin University Booster Club, Junior Achievement advisor, N.A.A.C.P. Youth Committee on Recreation as a consultant, FOYAL President, Youth Advisor for Luther League, led the United Appeal Fund Drive, Advisor to the Youth Board at the YMCA, Law Enforcement Explorer Advisor, and advisor to the Teenage Republican Club. He was a member of the Optimist Club, PR Committee, Republican Club, Ashland Area Guidance Association, Richland County Committee Toys for Tots and the Social Ministry of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. As a member of the International Management Club Executive Committee, he was instrumental in organizing educational programs in the community training persons in Human Relations Management and Finance. Bob was also active in clubs sponsored seminars against drug and alcohol abuse. In 1973 he was the recipient of the "Link Award" for leadership from IMC. He was a very active guest lecturer at The Ohio State University and Ashland College. He participated in the seminar programs for "the University of Young America" and evaluated local high schools for the North Central Accreditation Association covering states in the Midwest. The Mansfield Jaycees selected Bob as "Young Man of the Year" in 1974. Bob became active in politics, campaigning for Barry Goldwater in the 60s. He later helped with other campaigns included Tom Van Meter, Congressman John Ashbrook, Congressman Bob McCuen, as well as many local candidates. He was elected City Councilman of the First Ward in 1974 and later an at large seat on city council, serving on every committee during his tenure. He challenged local judges and the Bar Association on drunk driver leniency and helped shut down local bars dealing drugs. Bob's integrity was revealed in all his political, community, educational and business dealings. He was a very active member of his church serving in many capacities over the years.

Bob is survived by his wife of 40 years, Patricia; son, Jeffrey Tyler Brook of Mansfield; faithful dog, Buffy; brother, James Russell Beverly Brook of Ontario; sister, Rev. Marilou Brook; aunt, Mary Wendland; special friend, David McClenahan; many other very special friends; and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and special friend, Jerry Mizer.

Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Sunday, December 21, 2008, at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St. Funeral services will be held Monday at 2:30 p.m. in the First Congregational Church with Rev. Tony Minear officiating. Burial will follow in Mansfield Cemetery with military honors by the Richland County Joint Veteran's Burial Detail. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church, Parkinson's Foundation or Hospice of North Central Ohio.