Robert Harold Coburn

Robert Harold Coburn, 76, of Glen Burnie, MD completed his journey as son, brother, husband, father, uncle, pop-pop, cousin, friend and general instigator.

Born in Baltimore, “Bob” was the son of the late Harold Watson Coburn and Apollonia (Polly) Frances Burka Coburn. He was the brother of the late Linda A. (Coburn) Thompson and enormously proud to be the grandson of William J. Coburn Sr. and Olive Pearl (Crowther) Coburn as well as Walter Burka and Rose Homan. He remained grateful for every opportunity afforded to him by his family and friends.

He grew up in the construction business starting at age 12 having come by it through his father and grandfather’s business. He progressed from a draftsman, estimator and project manager during his career that extended from his beginnings with the State of MD and the City of Westminster, to pivotal roles with Ratrie Robbins & Schweizer, F.O. Day, and most proudly Cherry Hill Construction under the mentorship and treasured friendship of the Openshaw family. His favorite projects such as constructing portions of the Baltimore beltway and I270, as well as an early space shuttle project with Tate Engineering, became legends during his favorite nights trading stories over card games.

In his free time, he built forts for his kids, doted on family pets, added details that made houses into homes for his family, and beat everyone except his wonderful wife at music trivia. Although his days of bowling leagues, Corvette clubs and softball games were behind him, Bob’s smile, dedication to his friends, and pride in remaining true to himself and his family never faded.

Bob enjoyed hard work and the result of something physical to show for it whether that was a highway, clean car, mowed lawn or setting a train garden village for his grandson. He took the long way to do things most times because he believed the details mattered, and it’s those details that will remain in the DNA of his family and be the highlights of stories that will outlive him.

Bob made it a priority to ensure his devoted and loving wife Colleen Carr (Cloukia) Coburn is cared for upon his passing. He is survived by his daughter Bonnie Jeanne (Coburn) Fischerkeller, son Kenneth Harold Coburn, and his absolute pride and joy grandson, Ryan Kenneth Coburn. Surviving in addition to his immediate family are his cousins and their spouses whom he loved like siblings and partnered with in many childhood shenanigans.

A viewing will be held from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Friday, March 7th and followed by a Funeral Service at 12:00 PM. To honor Bob’s cremation request, there will not be a prayer service at the gravesite where he will remain resting next to his loving parents. He instead preferred his dear family and friends gather for a light lunch at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Robert's memory may be made to American Heart Association, www.heart.org.