Robert H. Bright

Robert Harvey Bright, 88, of Robesonia, passed away in his home on April 2, 2024 after a battle with dementia.  He was the husband of Thelma Bright with whom he was married for 60 years and who predeceased him in March.  Born in Reading, Bob was the son of the late Vernon T. and Helen (Davis) Bright. He was a graduate of Robesonia High School (1953), East Stroudsburg State Teachers College (BS - 1957), and Purdue University (1958).  He served in the U.S. Army in Germany (1958-1960) where he coached soccer and was a radio operator.

Bob taught science at Oley Valley and Wilson School Districts for 33 years, but coaching soccer and swimming was his real passion.  While at Purdue, he coached the men’s soccer team to a conference championship.  He also coached the Oley Valley HS boys’ soccer team to a Berks County championship in 1960.  As head coach of the Wilson Girls Swim Team, he led the team to over 300 dual meet wins, 20 District III titles, two PIAA state championships, and was twice named Girls PIAA AAA State Coach of the Year.  During his tenure at Wilson, he coached numerous All-State swimmers, more than 30 All-Americans and an Olympic silver medalist.  Bob also spent 25 years as a high school soccer referee, helped found the Berks County Soccer Clinic, and served as an officer in the PA HS Swimming Association.  Bob was inducted into the Berks County Sports Hall of Fame, the Berks County Aquatic Hall of Fame, and the Wilson Sports Hall of Fame.  He was also president of the Wilson Education Association for several years.  

Bob loved his “Robesonia family” and treasured his hometown.  He was active in the Robesonia Jaycees, CW Lions Club, Robesonia Golf League, and the Conrad Weiser 76ers musical productions.  He was a member of Williamson Masonic Lodge #307, the Rajah Shrine, and served as a Heidelberg Township Auditor.  He loved to golf, bowl, archery hunt, fish, and play cards with his friends and family.  He was a lifelong member of St. Daniel’s Lutheran Church where he sang in the choir, served on church council, and chaired the Property Committee. 

He is survived by sons Steven Bright (husband of Amy) and Kenneth Bright (husband of Wendy) both of Robesonia, PA, and daughter Terri Bright of Greenville, SC.  Also surviving are three grandchildren Megan, Madison, and Harper Bright; and siblings Randall and Donald Bright. He was predeceased by sister Dorothy Ravert and brother Vernon R. Bright.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024 at 1:30PM at St. Daniel’s Lutheran Church, 480 Big Spring Rd., Robesonia.  A Masonic Service to be held at 1:00PM in the Church social hall. The family will respectfully invite all in attendance to a fellowship and refreshment gathering following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the “Coach Bob Bright Memorial Scholarship Fund”, 145 Steeple Dr., Robesonia, PA 19551.  Cole Funeral Home, Robesonia is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences: www.colefh.com

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