Robert Wallis Brode

Robert Wallis Brode, age 70, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2019 at Community Hospice House in New Philadelphia, Ohio. He was born April 18, 1948 in Coshocton to Robert M. and Joyce (Wallis) Brode of Newcomerstown. He is a 1966 graduate of the Mercersburg Academy and attended The Ohio State University.  Bob is an army veteran, serving from 1967 to 1970.

Bob recently retired from The W. M. Brode Company in Newcomerstown where he engineered, built and repaired bridges across the United States. The company, founded by his great-grandfather in 1887, was co-owned by Bob and his cousin, George Brode. Bob was a founding director of the Pile Driving Contractors Association and an active member of many professional organizations. He considered one of his last projects his greatest, building The Age of Steam Roundhouse for Jerry Joe Jacobson in Baltic, Ohio. The complex includes a train depot and working 18-stall brick roundhouse that surrounds a 115-foot turntable. After construction was completed, Bob enjoyed giving private tours of the roundhouse and the camaraderie of the Age of Steam crew.  He loved steam locomotives and sharing that passion with other enthusiasts.

Bob enjoyed playing golf at Coshocton Town and Country Club and sport shooting with the guys. He will be remembered for his sharp wit and sense of humor. Bob took solace in visits the family farm just outside Newcomerstown.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years Louise; daughter Elizabeth (Benjamin) Diachun; granddaughters Catherine and Charlotte Diachun; his sisters Janet (Fred) Schmidt, Ellen (Richard) Donovan, Elizabeth (Stephen) Voris; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of Bob’s life is being planned for future date.