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Robert B. Brode, 98, of Mechanicsburg, passed away Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, at home in Mechanicsburg.
Born on March 31, 1927, in Vineland, N.J., Robert was the son of the late Raub and Ruth (Bennett) Brode.
Robert was a graduate of Derry Township High School in 1944. He served in the United States Army from 1945 to 1946, which included active duty in World War II.
Robert's employment history included working with jet engines at Olmstead Air Force Base, then as an equipment specialist at Mechanicsburg Naval Supply Depot which included a trip to Antarctica, and finally as a mailroom clerk for the Pennsylvania State Library. He retired from the Naval Depot in 1986 and the State of Pennsylvania in 2004.
Robert was a member of the Harrisburg First Church of the Brethren since 1958 where he served as an usher, Sunday School teacher, a Church Board member, and on various church committees. He loved sports, especially baseball, and played on the Harrisburg First Church softball, basketball and volleyball teams. He was a dedicated runner for decades that continued into his early seventies.
In addition, he also coached both of his sons' little league baseball teams from 1972 to 1977. He was a loyal Philadelphia sports fan, especially the Phillies. Robert loved to travel, loved history and current affairs, and was an avid reader.
Surviving are his two sons, Richard Brode and wife, Yvonne of Berwyn, Ill. and Andrew Brode of Camp Hill; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Robert was predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Marian and his two brothers, Richard and William. William was his identical twin. Robert was the last surviving child of the Raub Brode family.
A celebration of his life will be held on Dec. 18, 2025, at the Harrisburg First Church of the Brethren, 219 Hummel Street, Harrisburg, with visitation starting at 10 a.m. and the service starting at 11 a.m. A second celebration of his life with the burial afterwards will be held on Dec. 22, 2025, at the Maitland Church of the Brethren, 315 Crossover Drive, Lewistown, with visitation starting at 10 a.m. and the service starting at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Harrisburg First Church of the Brethren Living Witness Fund, 219 Hummel Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104.
Condolences can be shared under Robert's obituary at cremationofpennsylvania.com.