Robert Anthony Harpenau

March 26, 1918 - June 13, 2012

Robert Anthony Harpenau, was born on March 26, 1918 in Cincinnati Ohio. He graduated from Elder High School and University of Cincinnati where he received his degree in the school of Design, Art and Architecture. He was an Ensign in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. Married to Rita Elsaesser and had eight children, Robert Harpenau Jr., Thomas Harpenau (Jennifer), Susan Fitzgerald (Brian), Richard Harpenau, Mark Harpenau, Mary Ann Fernandez (Jaime), Lorie Satzger (Doug) and Jane Williams (William). His business endeavors involved residential and commercial construction where he was the largest post WWII builder in the metro area with Brune-Harpenau Builders. Shifting to a long and prosperous hospitality career, he built one of the largest hotels in Cincinnati, the Carrousel Inn, which held the Mobile five-star award for ten consecutive years. His Harpenau Hotels management company managed over 2,000 rooms in Ohio, Indiana and employed over 1,500. When his wife Rita passed away in 1971 he met and married Muriel Casey, widow from Bound Brook, N.J. with two children Robin (Jamie) and Tim Casey. They resided in Palm Beach, FL for twenty five years. He supported many charities including The Boys and Girls Clubs and the Cancer Society. He was a former member of The Beach Club, Sailfish Club, Bath & Tennis, Everglades Club, and Highlands Country Club in NC. Also the former President of Cat Cay Club in the Bahamas. He was an avid sportsman, participating in boxing, hunting, fishing and boating, but his love of tennis was foremost. His dedication to family and his deep religious faith were of most importance to him throughout his life. His family was at his bedside when he died at Jupiter Medical Center Hospice Pavilion on Wednesday June 13th. He was 94 years old and is survived by 13 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, former wife of 25 years, Muriel Casey, 10 children. Donations to Hospice of Palm Beach County would be appreciated. A Mass of Christian burial will be given June 15, 2012 2pm at St. Jude Catholic Church, Jupiter, FL.