Robert Knight Brubaker

Dr. Robert "Bob" Knight Brubaker, 94, of Bern Township, passed away at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center on January 1, 2025. Born in Lititz, he was the son of Melvin Herr and Suie (Knight) Brubaker. Bob was the loving husband of Jane "J.D." (Iobst) Brubaker, with whom he shared 25 years of marriage, until her passing in December 2024.

Bob was a 1948 graduate of Lititz High School. After completing his undergraduate studies, he enrolled at Elizabethtown College where he played varsity baseball and basketball player and was then accepted to the Philadelphia College of Optometry. Upon graduating, he enlisted in the United States Army and served as an eye doctor. Throughout his career, he worked as an optometrist in private practice for 37 years. When his practice was bought out in 2005 by Dr. Jean Templin, he stayed on board and retired in 2019. Bob's dedication to his career shines through in his impressive 64 years of service.

Golfing, playing tennis, and photography, were among Bob's favorite hobbies. His earlier hobbies were dog showing and flying. He learned how to fly planes and had one of his own that he enjoyed piloting. In addition to flying, he owned a boat that he called "Sapphire" that he loved sailing on with his wife, Jane. Family beach trips to the Windrift in Avalon were some of his most cherished getaways.

He is survived by his children: Becky Wagner (Bruce), Brad Brubaker (Liz), and Drew Brubaker (Pam); his grandchildren: Redmond (Christina), Lisa (Jeremy), Amy, Drewan (Shane), Vera, Marah, and Lydia; and his great-grandchildren: Haya, Arden, Brindley, and Tessa. Bob will also be missed by his niece, Jan Frey (Doug), their children, Hunter Frey (Skylar) and Jessica Lewis (Doug), and his great-great nephew and nieces, Noah, Laila, Scarlett, and Alyssa. Bob also leaves behind his step-children, Rene Shewalter (Will) and Michael Bortzel (Wanda), as well as his step-grandchildren: William "Willis", Jessica (Jon), Jennifer, Tamara (Mike), and Randi K. (Chris).

In addition to his spouse, Bob was predeceased by his sister and her husband, Nancy Frey (Frederick Frey) and his step-daughter, Denise Sweigart (Randy).

A prayer service will be held on January 15, 2025 at 1PM at Kuhn Funeral Home, 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading. Family and friends will received from 12-1PM. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Elizabethtown College, Institutional Advancement, 1 Alpha Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 or online at www.etown.edu/give. Be sure to note in memory of Robert K. Brubaker.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home is honored to serve the Brubaker family. Condolences may be written online at KuhnFuneralHomes.com.