Obituary of Robert G. Browning

Robert “Bob” G. Browning, 75, of Fairview Twp., passed away on Wednesday March 8, 2017 at The Village at Luther Square. He was born in Gibsonia, PA on September 30, 1941 a son of the late, Byron and Hilda O’Neil Browning. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Nick and Nancy Nickolazas; sister-in-law, Nicky Necastro and dear friend, Terry Ruoff. He is survived by his wife, Betty Nickolazas Browning; their daughter, Nancy Sen and her husband Shourin; one grandson Logan Sen and his dog, Nicky. Bob was raised in the Emsworth area of Pittsburgh. After graduating high school, he worked at Elwin G. Smith steel mill for a handful of years before realizing that he wanted a different life for himself. He put himself through Edinboro College by working long hours each summer at the mill. When he graduated, his manager asked, “What job do you want?” He said, “None, thanks!” and walked out to begin his career - his calling - in teaching. Bob excelled during his 35-year career as a teacher. Of all the subjects, he taught, Bob most enjoyed teaching fifth grade science. Each year his students fundraised for the materials to build model rockets, and after learning in class about the science of how rockets work, at the end of the year the students would get to launch their rockets. Bob’s own bright curiosity about science, the world and how things work inspired a love of learning in hundreds of students over the years. He continued to receive sweet, grateful letters from former students well into retirement. He taught the latter 20 years of his career from a wheelchair, following an accident in 1980 that left him a paraplegic. While helping to cut branches from a tree, he fell ten feet from a ladder and severed his spinal cord. The accident happened while his beloved wife Betty was pregnant, and so he welcomed his baby daughter Nancy into the world from his wheelchair. He went back to work as soon as he was able, and Betty stayed home to focus on raising their child. He never indulged in even a moment of self-pity; his bravery in the face of his challenges was not ostentatious, loud or self-conscious; it was quiet, steady, unrelenting - and always accompanied by a smile and a silly joke. When he wasn’t teaching or spending time with his family, Bob could be found at Walnut Creek Access, the Public Dock or the Peninsula, reeling in steelhead with the best of them. He often went alone or with friends, and sometimes even took neighborhood kids along with him (although his daughter wore out her welcome after she played with all the worms until they died). One particularly impressive catch earned him a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Angler Award for Trophy Fishing. He was also active in local politics, volunteering on many campaigns throughout his life. For several years, he served as committeeperson for the Second District of Fairview, and recently won a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Erie County Democratic Party. During his teaching career, he proudly served as president of the Northwestern Education Association teachers union. The roles in which Bob was most beloved were husband and father. He married Betty Nickolazas Browning on May 10, 1969, and for 48 years they were not only devoted spouses, but also best friends. Their lifelong love was deep and real; it made bearable their tragedies, multiplied their joy, and filled their lives with laughter. Bob and Betty were a team in every sense, forever making sacrifices to provide the best possible education and opportunities for their daughter, Nancy. Bob never missed an opportunity to tell his daughter that he loved her and that he was proud of her; he took the time to teach her how to play softball, how to parallel park, how to change the oil, and how to hold a conversation. She will forever be grateful for the many lessons he imparted to her, the most valuable ones through his own example. He was deeply loved, and he will be forever missed. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. 4216 Sterrettania Rd., on Monday from 3:00 PM until the time of the Memorial Service at 6:00 PM. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family.