Robert Brandell Obituary

Robert "Bob" Brandell, age 65, of Lansing, Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025. Born on September 8, 1960, Bob lived a life defined by compassion, curiosity, and service to others.
A graduate of Michigan State University, Bob earned his degree in mechanical engineering before beginning his career at General Motors. Although he excelled in his profession, Bob soon realized his true calling was in helping others. He left the corporate world to volunteer at Covenant House in Toronto, a refuge for homeless and at-risk youth. His deep empathy and unwavering commitment led him to Rome, where he continued his work and studies, and where he treasured the experience of meeting Pope John Paul II.
Upon returning to the United States, Bob became director of Covenant House in Anchorage, Alaska, providing guidance and hope to young people in need. His journey later brought him to Baltimore, Maryland-a city he called home for 30 years. There, he earned a master's degree in education from Loyola University and dedicated nearly three decades to teaching at Calvert Hall College, an all-boys Catholic prep school. Bob inspired generations of students through his classes in Algebra, Calculus, and Religion, and by developing the school's first-ever Introduction to Engineering course. Ever the innovator, he also founded the Avant Garde Club and the Billiards Club, enriching the school's community life and creating spaces where students could think freely, explore, and connect.
Bob cherished his life in Baltimore-his work, his students, his church, and the friends who became like family. In 2021, as his illness began to limit his independence, he returned to Lansing to be close to his loved ones.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Rosalie. He is survived by his siblings David (Teresa), James (Denise), Richard (Judy), Mary Lynn, Kathleen DeWitt (Mark), and Patrick (Marlon); 11 nieces and nephews; 19 great-nieces and nephews; and countless friends, colleagues, and former students whose lives he touched.
Bob's legacy lives on in the many people he inspired-with his generosity, intellect, humor, and boundless heart.
A visitation will be held for Bob on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Palmer, Bush and Jensen Delta Chapel located at 6301 W. St Joe Hwy from 6:00pm - 8:00 pm with a rosary beginning at 7:00 pm.
A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, October 31, 2025, at St. Gerard Catholic Church located at 4437 W Willow Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917, at 10:30am. A burial will follow the Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Charitable donations may be made in Bob's honor to Covenant House at www.covenanthouse.org.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert, please visit our floral store.