North Castle War Veterans

Robert William Brinkman

Born: January 8, 1923 In Wheeling, WV
Died: July 14, 1987 In Armonk. NY
Sex: Male Eyes: Blue Height: 5' 9"

Robert William Brinkman (a/k/a "Brenkman") was born on January 8, 1923 in Wheeling, WV to parents John William and Florence C. Kratz Brinkman.  As per the 1930 U.S. Census, the family lived in Wheeling, WV.  He was enrolled at Ohio State University in 1941 and played football under Paul Brown (the eventual founder of the Cleveland Browns NFL team).  He enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 30, 1942 as a Private.  There is no additional information on his service other than the fact that he was injured during his service which prevented him from playing football after his discharge.  He did graduate from OSU in 1947.

Private Brinkman was hired by the Wonder Bread Company in 1947, so moved to Rye, NY.  He married Isabelle A. Laplante on June 12, 1948 in Franklin, OH; they had met at OSU.  In 1974, they moved to Armonk, NY.  He died on July 14, 1987 in Armonk.

WWI Draft Registration Card.  Ohio, County Marriages, 1774-1993, file #001862244.  Gravestone was incorrect year of birth as 1924.

Background photo provided by the United States Air Force Academy.