Robert E. Reber's Obituary
Robert E. Reber, age 88, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026. Born on November 17, 1937, in Dayton, Ohio, Robert was one of three siblings and shared a special bond with his twin brother. He lived a life devoted to faith, education, service, and lifelong learning, leaving an enduring legacy that touched countless lives.
From an early age, Robert developed a passion for intellectual and spiritual growth. As a teenager, he discovered the writings of Paul Tillich and C.S. Lewis, experiences that profoundly shaped his life's calling. Encouraged by his pastor to join a study group on Tillich's The Protestant Era, Robert began a journey that would define his lifelong commitment to adult religious education, ecumenism, and interfaith understanding.
Robert graduated from The Ohio State University in 1960 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature before pursuing a degree in Sacred Theology at Boston University School of Theology. During his seminary years, he participated in an exchange program in Germany, where he witnessed the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961. His studies later took him to Bossey, Switzerland, through a World Council of Churches scholarship, followed by educational experiences throughout the Middle East and Europe that sparked his lifelong passion for international study and travel programs.
He earned his Ph.D. from Boston University in 1973, completing a dissertation titled The World Council of Churches and World Development: Proposals for Adult Education in Churches. Throughout his distinguished career, Robert dedicated himself to helping clergy and lay leaders connect faith with everyday life.
His professional journey included serving as Associate Secretary of the Council of
Churches in Wilmington, Delaware; Director of Continuing Education and Associate
Professor of Adult Education at Scarritt College in Nashville, where he also served as
Interim Dean; Executive Director of the Thompson Center in St. Louis; and, most notably, Dean of Auburn Theological Seminary in New York City from 1985 until his retirement in 2001.
During his sixteen years at Auburn, Robert expanded educational opportunities that
brought together people of dierent faiths, professions, and cultures. Under his leadership, Auburn developed innovative programs including interfaith dialogue initiatives, clergy and lay leadership development, study and travel seminars throughout the world, faith and ethics programs for professionals, worship training for military chaplains, and educational initiatives addressing contemporary social issues. His vision consistently sought to bridge faith with daily life and foster understanding across religious and cultural boundaries.
Robert was also instrumental in founding the Society for the Advancement of Continuing Education for Ministry (SACEM), later serving as one of its presidents. His scholarship culminated in two influential publications: Linking Faith with Daily Life (Alban Institute, 1998) and Lifelong Call to Learn: Approaches to Continuing Education for Church Leaders (Abingdon Press, 2000), which he co-edited with D. Bruce Roberts. These works continue to influence religious educators and church leaders today.
Following his retirement, Robert returned to Ohio, where his commitment to education and service never ceased. He served as part-time director of the Centre for Applied Christian Leadership at Methodist Theological School in Ohio, consulted with clergy leadership programs throughout the country, evaluated educational initiatives, and remained deeply involved in organizations dedicated to interfaith dialogue, theological education, and the arts. His volunteer leadership included serving with the Central Ohio Interfaith Association, Bexley Hall Seminary, the Charles J. Connick Foundation, the Swedenborg School of Theology, and as president of the Worthington Arts Council.
While Robert's professional accomplishments were many, those who knew him best will remember his kindness, wisdom, curiosity, and unwavering encouragement of others. He believed learning never ended, conversations mattered, and faith was something to be lived every day. He inspired generations of students, clergy, colleagues, friends, and family through his thoughtful guidance, compassionate spirit, and genuine love of people.
Robert's faith was the foundation of his life and work. He was a devoted member of the First Congregational Church in Columbus, Ohio, where he found spiritual community, fellowship, and opportunities to continue serving others.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Wendy; his daughter, Shelah (Michael); his step-granddaughter, Madison; his son, Aaron (Debbie); and his grandchildren, Kaylii and Robert Jackson; his sister, Jeannie Durkin (Michael); his sister-in-law, Judy; along with extended family, dear friends, colleagues, former students, and countless individuals whose lives were enriched by his wisdom, generosity, and enduring commitment to education and faith. He was preceded in death by his beloved twin brother, Bill Reber.
A celebration of Robert's life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Auburn Theological Seminary (NYC) and Bread for the World.
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