Robert Berlett

Robert Andrew Berlett Sr, aged 82, passed away peacefully on May 28th in Columbia, MD, with his wife Cathleen by his side. Born on March 27, 1944 in Baltimore to Edward G Berlett Jr and Catherine John Berlett, Robert lived a life deeply rooted in faith, love, patriotism, and service to others… and tennis.

Bob graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and attended the University of Maryland where he met Cathleen, as she kept him awake in math class. He was drafted in 1968. He trained helicopter pilots and served in Korea before his honorable discharge in 1970. He married Cathleen on June 29, 1968, and together they shared 57 beautiful years of marriage. Bob went on to work in sales at the Zamoiski Co in Baltimore and later with State Farm Insurance.

Robert grew up as a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. Later in life, he became a dedicated member where he regularly served and found great joy in community fellowship.

Known for his kindness, gregarious personality, and relentless volunteerism, Bob touched the lives of everyone who knew him. He loved tennis and could be found at the tennis clubs around the area, playing, officiating, organizing tournaments, and helping to run the Columbia Tennis Committee. He also found time to volunteer with the local Village Board and Columbia Association. When his knees would no longer let him play tennis, his energies turned to participation in the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the return to his childhood church, but above all, Bob cherished spending time with family.

Robert is survived by wife Cathleen, sons Andrew (Joy) and Martin, and grandson Drew and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents Edward Jr. and Catherine Berlett, and brothers Edward III (Nancy) and Eugene Sr (Doris).

Gratitude

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation for your presence, prayers, and expressions of love and support during this time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Breath of God Lutheran Church in Baltimore, MD, the current iteration of his childhood church St. Paul Lutheran, for all its work in community outreach and early childhood education; or to a charity of your choosing.

St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church/Breath of God Lutheran Church

141 S. Clinton St

Baltimore, MD 21224

Also, please consider becoming a blood donor with your local blood bank if you are able. Bob was an advocate for blood donation, having donated over 30 gallons during his lifetime.

Visitation will be held at Witzke Funeral Homes Inc., 5555 Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, MD 21045, US, on June 12, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and again on June 12, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Witzke Funeral Homes Inc., 5555 Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, MD 21045, US, on June 13, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm.

A Committal Service will follow at Oak Lawn Cemetery, 7225 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224, US, on June 13, 2026, from 2:45 pm to 3:00 pm.