Obituaries
Robert P. Obenauer Sr., 90, Dentist For More Than 50 Years
He also trained future dentists at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine.
Robert Philip Obenauer Sr., a member of the International College of Dentists, provided dental services to patients in Cleveland’s Old Brooklyn area, Parma and adjacent communities through his private practice for more than 50 years.
Obenauer, a longtime Brecksville resident, who died March 22 at age 90, also trained student dentists at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine for nearly 30 years.
The Cleveland native, who graduated from James Ford Rhodes High School in 1938, went on to graduate from what was then Adelbert College and the Western Reserve University dental school.
Find out what's happening in Brecksvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
While a student in high school, college and dental school, Obenauer regularly played trumpet as a member of the Cleveland Federation of Musicians Local 4.
During World War II, he served with the 1850th Army Service Command Unit at Camp Chaffee, AR, which housed German prisoners of war. Obenauer, who held the rank of captain, saw to the dental care of the prisoners until their release at war’s end.
Find out what's happening in Brecksvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
He continued his service with the Army Reserve Dental Corps through June 1955.
Obenauer, a member of for many years, had served as a senior warden in the vestry at All Saints Episcopal Church in Parma. He belonged to Parma Masonic Lodge, which is now Parkside Lodge, and served as an adviser for the DeMolay youth.
Survivors include his wife, Diane Terry (nee Davis); children, Janice Leopold, James, Ted Terry, Michael Terry and Mark Terry; 13 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Obenauer’s son, Robert P. Jr., died in 1991. John Terry, another son, died in 1993.
Calling hours are 4 to 7 p.m. April 1, at Busch Funeral Home, 7501 Ridge Rd., Parma.
Memorial services will take place at 10 a.m. April 2, at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 9549 Highland Dr.
Donations may be made to the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106; or to the Alzheimer’s Association, Cleveland Chapter, 23215 Commerce Park Dr., Suite 300, Beachwood, OH 44122.
Much of the biographical information was provided by the Busch Funeral Home.