Robert Eugene Braks
May 6, 1939 – May 6, 2025
Robert Eugene Braks passed away on May 6, 2025—his 86th birthday. It feels fitting that a man who cherished life’s milestones would leave us on the very day his life began.
Born and raised in Yonkers, NY, Bob grew up in the apartment behind his family’s business, Braks Cleaners, with his parents, Henry and Frances, and sister Judy. That upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic that carried through a successful career, beginning at Deloitte and leading to executive roles at Cadbury Schweppes and Steuben Foods.
He was a proud graduate of Manhattan College and a committed community member, volunteering with St. Joseph’s Church, the Cedar Knolls Association, and Holy Child School.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Palma, his daughter Sally Guenther (George) of Chatham, NJ, his son Matthew Braks (Dillon) of Austin, TX, his sister Judy Santopietro (Tom) of Milan, NY, his step-daughter Cynthia Mitchell and his step-son Anthony Mitchell (Kaitlin) of Forest Hills, NY, his seven adored grandchildren: Megan and Paige Guenther, Benjamin and Madeline Braks, and Gianna, John, and Elizabeth Mitchell, his nephew, Christopher Tompkins, and many other family members and friends who loved him dearly.
He loved gardening, music, family traditions, and cheering on the Cleveland Browns—always hopeful that this would be their year. Even after his MS diagnosis in 1997, he lived with grace and resilience, guided by his favorite motto: “Chin up. Smell the roses.”
A funeral Mass will be held at Saint Joseph’s Church in Bronxville, NY on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 10:45 am.Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Port Chester, NY.
In his memory, donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
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Lynne & Manny Columbres says
May 8, 2025 at 10:46 amOur thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God bless!! Our condolences to the family.
Maureen.Burbage says
May 14, 2025 at 11:59 amAll happy memories. Will say prayers for Bob and the family.
Alan Benedict says
May 11, 2025 at 3:06 pmDeepest sympathy to the family on Bob’’s death, we graduated Roosevelt High School together and ran cross country and played on the basketball team. I always enjoyed his company and was happy to share some stories with him at our 60th reunion. Thinking of you all. Alan Benedict
Maryanne Craven says
May 12, 2025 at 2:02 pmMy thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was always so good to Frank and me. God bless you all!
Best Regards, Maryanne Craven