Robert "Bob" Brimley's Obituary
Robert Brimley (Bob), 69, passed away peacefully on Palm Sunday, March 28, 2021, in Syracuse, NY. His family and countless others whose lives he touched will miss him greatly.
Predeceasing Robert are his parents, Francis and Angelina Brimley. Bob leaves behind his children, Jillian Mallory (Aaron) and Ryan Brimley (Amanda) and their mother, Kathy Tomanio; his daughter, Amber Hadley (Michael); his grandchildren, Lennox, Wyatt, Denise, Haley, Shawna, Lucian, Dalton, and John; a great-granddaughter, Hannah; his sisters, Donna Polito, Terri Gage, and Elaine Brimley-Weller; nieces, Sarah, Rachel, and Maggie; nephews, Brendan, Brian, and Nathan. Bob also leaves behind his partner, Kathleen Palladino and beloved canine companion, Jasmine.
During his lifetime, Bob lived throughout New York State, Minnesota, and Florida. He spent his youth playing and excelling at basketball. Athletic in nature, Bob found Ving Tsun Kung Fu in his young adulthood and studied as the 29th student under the late Grandmaster Moy Yat. Bob leaves behind a vast network of Ving Tsun Kung Fu disciples, brothers, and fellow Sifus who will greatly miss his presence.
Bob was an entrepreneur specializing in precious stones, stamps, and other rarities. His interests were diverse and included sailing, spiritual studies, and Eastern medicine. He was fond of the saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” and often used humor to find his way through difficult situations. Some people might have thought he was eccentric, but he would tell you that it’s just your idiosyncrasies making you believe that.
If you had the pleasure of knowing Bob, chances are that he helped you at some point in your life. His generosity and propensity for action were remarkable. He encouraged, loved, and supported the people in his life. He was proud of his family and cherished his grandchildren.
Bob’s faith and relationship with the Lord were important to him. His favorite prayer and his family’s prayer for him now is the Guardian Angel Prayer:
Angel of God, my guardian dear,
To whom God’s love commits me here,
Ever this day, be at my side,
To light and guard,
To rule and guide.
Amen.
A memorial is not scheduled at this time. If you wish to donate in Bob’s honor, please consider Finger Lakes SPCA of CNY. Arrangements entrusted to Thomas J. Pirro Jr. Funeral Home.
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