Robert E. "Bob" Brekelbaum, 70, passed away suddenly at his home in Mount Dora on Thursday, November 8th. He is survived by Barbara, his wife of 49 years, his sons, Edward and Jeffrey, his sisters, Gertrude Brekelbaum and Barbara Siepker, his brother, John "Rick" Brekelbaum, his grandchildren, Hans, Brady, Christopher, and Leilani Brekelbaum, as well as nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces/nephews. He was pre-deceased by his mother and father, Gertrude and Erwin Brekelbaum.
Bob was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and also lived in Elyria, Ohio. He attended Shorewood High School in Milwaukee. In 1973, he earned a BBA degree from the University of Miami, while carrying a double major in Finance and Accounting. Bob was a CPA, passing the exam on his first sitting. He managed offices for H&R Block, and had his own CPA firm for five years, before he was hired by the City of Plantation as Finance Director/Assistant to the Mayor. He worked there for 21 years. He also worked for the City of Mount Dora as Finance Director/Budget Analyst from 2003-2017.
Bob and Barbara were married on July 4, 1970. They were active in Republican politics for many years. Bob managed many city, county, and state campaigns. Bob's hobbies were coin collecting, birding, and travel. He traveled widely, both in the U.S. and abroad. In 2001, he fulfilled a lifetime dream when he traveled around the world, stopping in Africa, Asia, and Australia/New Zealand. He was an avid birder and was listed as a top birder in the American Birding Association's magazine. In 2017, they published pictures of his 2500th world bird.
Bob was also dedicated to his family. He coached his sons in baseball and soccer, sometimes managing two teams at once.
He was listed in the 1980 edition of Prominent People in Florida Government, as well as the 1984 edition of Outstanding Young Men of America.
There will be a viewing/service from 11A.M-1P.M. on Wednesday, November 13 at the Allen J. Harden Funeral Home, 1800 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the World Wildlife Fund, P.O. Box 96555, Washington DC 20090-6555.
