Robert Bhaerman

Robert (Bob) Bhaerman, 85, of Pickerington, Ohio, passed away on Monday, July 30, 2018. Bob was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Martin and Rose Bhaerman. He held a bachelor’s degree from Wilkes University, master’s from Penn State, and doctorate from Rutgers. He taught educational philosophy and curriculum courses at the University of Delaware, and in the City and State University of New York systems. He served as a research and development specialist at The Ohio State University, and as associate dean for research and graduate studies in the College of Education at Wayne State University. He also was director of educational research for the American Federation of Teachers and coordinator of school-based service-learning for Learn and Serve America.  In all, Bob authored and/or co-authored more than 100 books, chapters, articles, monographs, reports and guidebooks.

Bob greatly enjoyed pasta, chocolate ice cream, books of any genre, good art films, and Ohio State Buckeyes football. Most of all, Bob loved his family – his wife, children, grandchildren, and the rest … but only tolerated the family cat. Although he didn’t care for pets, he was always for the underdog. He was active in the civil rights and labor movements of the 1960s and ’70s. His heroes were many: in sports, Jackie Robinson; in civil rights, Martin Luther King Jr.; in politics, Adlai Stevenson; in music, Pete Seeger; and, in general, Eleanor Roosevelt, who overcame many obstacles in her life and became a hero to the world. As a young man and member of the American Ethical Union’s Encampment for Citizenship, Bob had the opportunity to meet her, which was a highpoint of his life.

Bob was preceded in death by Jane, his beloved wife of 43 years; daughter Robin, son Douglas, brother Len; and his parents. He is survived by sons David (Theresa) of Pickerington, and Daniel of Columbus; grandsons Dylan and Spencer of Pickerington; sister Ruth of Ocean City, NJ; and nieces and nephews. A private memorial service will take place for immediate family.