Robert “Bob” James Nau, of Cincinnati and previously of Brookville, was born on March 20, 1926, on the family farm in Randolph, Ohio. The cherished son of Richard and Ethel Nau (nee Biddle). Bob graduated from Randolph High School, Class of ’44 and shortly thereafter, he was drafted and served with the Americal Division (23rd Infantry Division) in the Philippines and the Occupation of Japan, returning home from the war in 1946.
He married Joan Wilson at St. Paul Catholic Church in Akron, Ohio on June 26, 1948, who preceded him in death in September of 2018. Together they raised five loving children and built a life centered around faith, family, and community.
Bob began his career in Akron, Ohio, later moving to Brookville, Indiana in 1968 where he served as Plant Manager for Lloyd A. Fry Roofing. There, he and Joan embraced small-town life—spending time at the lake, golfing, gardening, and actively participating in St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Bob served his community through the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, parish council, and the Franklin County Community Foundation, and was President of the Chamber of Commerce in 1972.
He later joined Owens Corning Fiberglass, rising to National Quality Control Supervisor at corporate headquarters in Toledo, Ohio. Bob and Joan retired back to Brookville in 1997.
In 2014, Bob moved to Deupree House in Cincinnati where he remained active in the residents’ council, garden program, and Catholic services, and was known for visiting those in assisted living. A devoted Catholic, he was a Fourth Degree Grand Knight.
On Friday, April 17, 2026, at the age of 100, Bob passed away peacefully at The Deupree House in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Those surviving who will carry Bob’s legacy forward include his five children, Mary Anne (Patrick), Jim (Cindy), Don (Melinda), Joanne (Bruce), and Teri; four grandchildren, Kelly Trotter, Derek Sawyer, Katy Sawyer (Zary), and David Nau; one great grandson, Jack Trotter; one sister-in-law, Teresa Wilson; as well as numerous dear nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his wife of over seventy years, Joan Nau.
Friends and family may visit on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home, 929 Main Street, Brookville. Holy Rosary will be prayed at 8 a.m. prior to the visitation. Father Santhosh Yohannan will officiate a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church. 145 E. St. Michael Blvd, Brookville. Private burial will occur in St. Michael Cemetery with full military honors provided by the American Legion Bernard Hurst Post #77.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be directed to the Robert and Joan Nau Family Fund through the Franklin County Community Foundation. Donations can be made online or in person at the visitation.
To share fond memories, offer personal condolences, or to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home are honored to care for Bob and his family during this time.