Robert Daniel Brassil

Robert Daniel (Bob) Brassil, resident of Charlotte, NC, and formerly Davidson, NC and Tega Cay, SC, passed away peacefully at home on December 30, 2024 at the age of 103. Born on November 30, 1921 in Cambridge, MA, he was the son of the late Dr. Timothy F. Brassil and Mary E. (McCann) Brassil. He grew up and was educated in Lowell, MA.

Bob was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen June (Donovan) Brassil, his second wife, Geraldine (Plott) Brassil, his son, Robert J. Brassil of Charlotte, NC, and siblings, Estelle A. Roper of Germantown, TN, Arline M. Donovan of Rockville Center, NY, Timothy F. Brassil of Santa Ana, CA.

A veteran of WWII, Bob spent 32 months in England, assigned to the famous 303rd, B-17, Bomb Group (Hells Angels), the all phase European leader of heavy bombardment by the US Army Eighth Air Force. After the war he was graduated from Lowell Technological Institute (now UMass Lowell) with a BS degree in Chemistry and began a life-long career in the Textile Wet Finishing Industry that included over 60 years residency in North Carolina and direct involvement in textile fabric finishing operations at a host of major textile plants throughout the South Eastern United States.

Prior to relocation to Charlotte, NC, Bob served as the last finishing plant Superintendent at Merrimack Manufacturing Company, Lowell, MA, the city’s largest employer. He assisted in the final dissolution of its operations and the sale of the finishing plant equipment. Other industry positions included 25 years as a Technical Service Specialist for the Inorganic Division of FMC Corporation, chemical sales assignments with Emery Industries and Bruce Chemical Corporation and applications consultant for numerous Textile Chemical Manufacturers, among them, a 10 year association with Clark Chemical Incorporated, Cartersville, GA.

Bob was a member of Phi Psi Textile Fraternity. He also was a member of the American Association of Textile Chemist and Colorists and the Cornelius, NC Post 86 of the American Legion.

Survivors include sons, William D. Brassil and wife Selina, David B. Brassil and wife Sandra all of Charlotte, NC, step-son Walter D. Biles, III of Alexandria, VA,  6 grandchildren, Daniel Brassil, Meredith Dameron (John), Jessica Brassil, Rebecca Havird (Patrick), Michael Brassil, Nathan Brassil,  and 5 great-grandchildren, Lucas, Benton, and Palmer Dameron, and Leighton and Ireland Havird, as well as nieces and nephews.

Bob was a kind, loving, generous, grateful, and wise man. His golden years were truly golden. After retirement he and his wife, Dean, extensively traveled the world. They loved the many cruises they were able to enjoy.  Bob was bedbound for the last few years of his life but enjoyed being part of the many activities of a large family. He lived with his son, Bill and wife Selina and loved seeing all of the grandchildren and great grandchildren come and go. He was especially delighted in his great grands! One of the highlights of his recent years was his big 100th Birthday Celebration! His mind stayed sharp until the very end and he enjoyed working crossword puzzles,  sudokus, and other word games. The true patriarch of his family, he was a great Dad and Grand-dad. He will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him. 

The family would like to thank the many caregivers who helped lovingly care for him in his years at home, especially Patricia Davis (his daily aide)with Blue Dot, and his nurses Tammy Yeagley and Kimberly Blitzer-Betancourt with CenterWell Home Health.

A service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 2 PM at Tribute & Tallent Funeral Service, 1937 N Sharon Amity Rd., Charlotte, NC 28205. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or The Josh Neuman Foundation.