Robert Bernetich

Robert J. Bernetich, age 66 of Shaker Heights. He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Phyllis Prybor, and his loving children Roberto (Marci Blue), Ava, and Jack, who he cherished above all others. Dear brother of Edward (Christi) and Gary, deceased. Dearest son of Edward and Frances, both deceased. His dog Cooper was a special joy in his life and daily hiking companion.

He taught for 37 years as a gifted elementary teacher for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, beginning with the Major Work Program at Wade Park Elementary and later at Forest Hill Parkway. He most recently was part of the gifted itinerant program at the Cleveland School of the Arts and Douglas MacArthur Girls Academy. Teaching combined well his deep intellectual quality, his innate sense of curiosity, and genuine enjoyment of children to provide an enriching and enjoyable experience to the many hundreds of children he taught over the course of his career. He continued to hear from many former students over the years who proclaimed him “their favorite teacher.”

He brought these same qualities to his many years of coaching his children’s baseball teams. He was a long-time coach for Shaker Youth Baseball and will be remembered for his warmth and generosity of spirit by the boys he coached and their families.

Robert had many dear lifelong friends, ranging from his childhood in Wickliffe, his years at Loyola University in Rome where he studied philosophy, and later with Cleveland State University’s Theater Department and graduate Education Department.

Donations in Robert’s name may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve or toward cancer research.

A memorial service is planned for later this fall.