Dr. Robert Berner

Dr. Robert Berner, 76, of Slippery Rock ended his story Thursday evening in his home following a brief battle with cancer since March 15.

Known to most as “Bob” and to most of his students as “Dr. Bob,” he was born in McKees Rocks, Pa., on Jan. 31, 1939, to the late Regis Alois and Catherine Conners Berner. He married Janine John on July 25, 1998.

Bob was a graduate of McKees Rocks High School, Class of 1956, and Indiana State Teacher's College in 1960 with a degree in elementary education. Upon graduation he attended Duquesne University and received a master's degree in curriculum and supervision. Following Duquesne in 1964, he went to the University of Pittsburgh as a part-time doctoral student in administration and elementary education. He earned his doctorate in 1970, and he worked one year at the University of Pittsburgh.

Bob began his career in the Special Education Department at Slippery Rock University in August 1971. He retired in 2005 after 34 years of service.

Bob was active in ROTC while at Indiana and enlisted in the U.S. Army and remained in the U.S. Army Reserves and retired as a colonel after 39 years in 1999.

Survivors include his wife Janine; two sons, Radley A. Berner of Los Angeles, Calif., and Trent R. Berner of San Diego, Calif.; one sister, Karen R. Berner-Michaels and her husband, George, of Huntley, Ill.; two brothers, Richard Berner and his wife, Rita, of Pittsburgh and Ron Berner and his wife, Peggy, of Lindstrom, Minn.; three nieces; four nephews; and his former wife, Diana Berner, Grove City.

Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Candice D. Berner, who died in 2010.

BERNER — Visitation hours for Dr. Robert Berner, who died Thursday, April 16, 2015, will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Cunningham Funeral Home, 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.A memorial service will be in the auditorium of the McKay Education Building, Upper Campus of Slippery Rock University, at 2 p.m. Saturday.His burial will take place at the Center Church Cemetery, Grove City.Memorials in Bob's name, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Slippery Rock University Special Education Department; NOTE: Council for Exceptional Children or the Butler County Humane Society.