Robert A. Berens

Robert “Bob” Berens of Bowie, Maryland, formerly of Havertown, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2022 at age 98 surrounded by his loving family at home. He is survived by his five beloved children, Mary Regan (Jim), Bob Berens (Julie), Patti Wilt (Michael), Michael Berens (Patrice), and Mimi Berens. His wife of 36 years and mother of his children, Margaret “Muggs” Berens, née Keefrider predeceased him in 1987. He is also survived by his cherished 13 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, two surviving sisters, Carol Dalton and Marjorie McGreal, and countless other family members.

Born in 1924 to Louis and Alva Berens, née Hennessey, in Chicago as the fourth of eight children, Bob lived in Illinois until age 15 when he moved to Philadelphia, where his father had taken a job. After serving as a Sergeant in the Army in Little Rock, Arkansas during World War II and subsequently graduating from LaSalle College, Bob entered the mortgage banking business, which would become his lifelong career. During a chance encounter on a trolley with a mutual friend, he met Margaret “Muggs” Keefrider, who would go on to become the love of his life.

Throughout his nearly 100 years of life, Bob was guided by three principles: first, a strong and unwavering Catholic faith, reflected by his involvement with the Knights of Columbus and the Legion of Mary; second, a constant and at times irrepressible sense of humor and desire to make others laugh; and third, a zest and passion for life, undeterred by his age. Bob was known to strike up conversation with strangers in line, always opening with “Where are you from?”, constantly citing his extensive repertoire of jokes and life stories. Quick-witted with a sharp memory, he could recall historical facts and details with the accuracy and knowledge of a renowned historian. Bob once said despite his aging he still “thought young,” and he embodied this mindset, learning to use email and Facebook in his later years to connect with his family, always taking any opportunity to learn something new. This vivacious spirit was matched by Bob’s remarkable mental and physical resilience, strength, and fortitude. More than anything, what made him happiest was spending time with people he loved and making them smile.

Family and friends will gather at Sacred Heart Chapel in Bowie, Maryland on Friday, December 2nd at 12 noon to greet the family followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 pm. A reception in Whitemarsh Hall will follow Mass.

In addition, a memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at St. Denis Parish in Havertown, Pennsylvania, prior to interment of his ashes in St. Denis Cemetery. A gathering for family and friends will follow the Rite of Committal.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to EWTN, 5817 Old Leeds Road, Irondale, AL 35210