Robert J. Verna, 90, WWII veteran, started accounting firms
Robert J. Verna, 90, of Drexel Hill, a World War II veteran, small businessman, and later a public accountant, died Friday, Oct. 7, of heart failure at Bryn Mawr Hospital.
Robert J. Verna, 90, of Drexel Hill, a World War II veteran, small businessman, and later a public accountant, died Friday, Oct. 7, of heart failure at Bryn Mawr Hospital.
A resident of Philadelphia and then Delaware County, he was known as an "old-school gentleman," his family said.
He was drafted by the Army during World War II, but never discussed his experiences as an artilleryman serving with the 89th Infantry Division in the European Theater.
Instead, Mr. Verna told stories about how he helped German prisoners of war captured by the Allies and held in Switzerland, and watched over them until they were able to return home to their families.
"He cared about everyone," said his son Paul Verna.
After the war, Mr. Verna reconnected with Marie L. Ganci, whom he had courted at Upper Darby High School. They were married in 1949 and settled in Drexel Hill to start a family.
Using the GI Bill, Mr. Verna obtained a bachelor's degree in accounting from Temple University. After graduation, he worked briefly in accounting but was drawn into the retail market.
He and his father opened a hardware store called Verna's at 58th and Malcolm Streets in Southwest Philadelphia. From roughly 1950, he ran the store for 20 years before shutting it down.
In 1970, he returned to accounting, and signed on with Ball, Buckley & Bierbrunner, an accounting firm in Woodbury, Gloucester County. In 1980, Mr. Verna and Robert and Hank Bierbrunner left the firm to form their own company, Bierbrunner & Verna, in Thorofare, Gloucester County.
In 1993, Mr. Verna and his son Paul formed their own firm, Verna's Accounting & Tax Services, also in Thorofare. In 1997, his son replaced Mr. Verna as principal in the firm, although Mr. Verna stayed active. He never retired.
Mr. Verna was a member of the Rotary Club of West Deptford, a 30-year member of the Malvern Retreat House, and a 50-year member of St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Drexel Hill.
He enjoyed spending time with his family at Wildwood Crest. "He loved the water and the beach," his son said.
In addition to his son and his wife of 67 years, he is survived by daughters Marie Lynch, Gloria Battista, and Dorothy Jones; son Thomas N.; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. A son, Robert; a brother; and a grandson died earlier.
A viewing starting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, will be held at O'Leary Funeral Home, 640 E. Springfield Rd., Springfield. A second viewing at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 14, will be followed by a 10:30 Funeral Mass at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 3500 School Lane, Drexel Hill. Burial is in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield.
Donations may be made to the Malvern Retreat House, c/o Edie Petillo, Development Department, P.O. Box 315, Malvern, Pa. 19355.
610-313-8102