Robert Brenner

GRAVESIDE FUNERAL SERVICE:  Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 10:30 AM at Beth Israel Cemetery in New Jersey: 1098 Woodbridge Center Drive, Woodbridge, NJ 07095

LIVESTREAM IN NEW JERSEY: Please click here to attend the funeral service via livestream in New Jersey.

SHIVA: Shiva will take place on Wednesday and Thursday evenings at the Brenner's home, 1250 Becket Drive, Atlanta, GA 30319 from 6:30-8:30, minyan at 7, and on Friday from 4-6.

 

OBITUARY:

Robert Edward Brenner

“It's not why you're running; it's where you're going” (U2 “Summer Rain”). Bob Brenner, beloved husband, father, son, friend, and enthusiastic runner, age 63, passed away and journeyed to Olam Ha-Ba from his home in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Born Robert Edward Brenner to Emmeline Joy Sasso Finnimore and George Hillson Brenner in Virginia, and raised in Massachusetts, Bob brought joy and shenanigans to his family: siblings Linda (Andy) Alexson, Karen (Matt) Leslie, Judy (Mike) Walker, and Jeff (Melissa) Brenner. Upon realizing he was truly outnumbered, and, according to his sisters, outwitted by the women in the house, Bob left home to join the United States Navy, following in the footsteps of his naval officer father, which may have irked his Marine Corps grandfather.

A lifelong sports fan, and a particularly passionate Boston Red Sox fan, Bob searched for and found his soulmate, life partner, and best friend in another lifelong sports fan, who just happened to be a particularly passionate New York Mets fan, Dara Jo (Hankin) Brenner. What began as an animated discussion about the 1986 Mets championship win against the Sox, in a memorable seven-game series, culminated in a beautiful 27-year marriage that blessed us all with their charming sons, Samuel Harry Brenner and Jaron Maxwell Brenner. A testament to the strength and fortitude of Dara and Bob’s love is that their house remained a peaceful and fun-loving place; they even celebrated the Sox win in 2004, again in 2007, then in 2013, and yet again in 2018.

Known as Captain Bob, a nod to his time in the Navy and to his lifelong love of boats and the water, and as Farmer Bob, a nod to his enthusiastic but sometimes unsuccessful gardening efforts, Bob spent more than 20 years helping cherished elders find a home and create community at Huntcliff Summit. Bob ran three marathons, including the Marine Corps marathon (with his grandpa smiling from above) and the Boston Marathon, where he raised a record-breaking amount of money for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Bob now joins many family members and friends, including his grandparents, Esther and Rabbi Moses D. Sasso, and his great-great-grandfather, Rabbi David Cardoze, for a glass of red wine, one that will never need refilling. The song lyrics from Bob’s absolute favorite band ring true: “I know this is not goodbye” (U2 “Kite”), because his joyful energy and boundless sense of humor will live on in the hearts of all his loved ones who might even hear Bob singing, “I will be with you again” (U2 “New Year’s Eve”).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bob Brenner Neuro Patient Assistance Fund at Piedmont Hospital, give.piedmont.org/BobBrenner.