Robert "Hunt" Brawley JD

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Robert "Hunt" Brawley, JD, a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend. Hunt passed away peacefully from complications involving metastasized uveal melanoma on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the age of 63, in Marietta, Ohio, where he resided with his wife, Sandra Kolankiewicz, PhD, and his son, Trevor.

Born on August 30, 1962, in Baltimore, Maryland, Hunt was the son of the late heart surgeon, Robert K. Brawley, MD, and Permilla Smith Brawley. He was a proud alumnus of The Gilman School, Class of 1980, and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Duke University in 1984. Hunt furthered his education at the University of Baltimore School of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctor degree. Hunt dedicated his professional life to the arts and community service for over two decades, serving as the Development Director and then Executive Director of the Peoples Bank Theatre. During this time, he worked with Ohio legislators on both sides of the aisle to bring the community’s dream of a revived theater to reality. Hunt’s grants were regularly awarded by the Ohio Arts Council and a long list of federal, state, and non-profit entities. He also helped others in crafting their grant applications, networking wherever possible to help other towns bring back their own small theaters. A big part of his love for music and the arts was his commitment to preserving history, participating in the League of Historic American Theatres conferences and connecting with others who had the same preservation goals for their hometown historical assets.

Hunt’s passion for music, the arts, and community-building was always evident in his work. Whether the theater was providing top-notch shows that people could pay to enjoy, or doing events at low or no cost to bring people together, he was crucial in promoting the theater’s role in the community. He dreamed of internships and mentoring local children to bring out and nurture their love of the arts, and of providing a venue for the arts that they felt was their own. Hunt also supported community members with differing abilities, upgrading accessibility whenever possible within the confines of historic preservation rules. He and his wife wrote the first grant that established the ongoing free sensory-friendly movie series at the theatre, where people of all abilities and with special needs can enjoy a free family-friendly movie without worrying about needing support or acceptance of their challenges.

Hunt believed in education and in the development of body and mind. He was a founding member of the Ely Chapman Education Center, where he served as President on the board for many years. Ely Chapman was known for its academic rigor, its active summer camps, for providing nutritious food for seniors and children, and for focusing on both physical activity and the arts. Together, Alice Chapman and Hunt created an

organization that was recognized by the Manhattan Institute for its entrepreneurial excellence in helping to raise Marietta’s children. A man of many interests, Hunt was also an active member of the Noon Rotary in Marietta and was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation. Hunt was also active in the Marietta Boat Club. He was a proud member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity at Duke University. Hunt loved spending time outdoors, boating, fishing, biking, and playing sports, especially lacrosse. After Hunt lost an eye to cancer, he decided he would not let this limitation stop him from pursuing his interests and he would learn to work with it, and so he took a boat-building class in Annapolis and built a 20-foot dory by hand. He had a deep appreciation for music and loved Ray Charles, Marcia Ball, Toots and the Maytals, Little Feat, the Beatles, the Who, among so many others. Music was always playing on the radio or stereo at his house. He passed this love for music on to his children, which led his daughter, Maddie, to pursue a career in music therapy.

When he was still living in Baltimore, Hunt played drums in a band that performed regularly. At the time of his death, he was teaching himself how to play boogie-woogie music on the family piano, and he loved when the family dogs, Tippy and Butter, would sit around him and listen.

Above all, he cherished the time spent with his family, especially his children. He taught them how to ski, ride bikes, kayak, waterski, fish, drive a boat, and a myriad of other skills that fathers teach their children. He was a patient and loving father and a good partner in marriage.

His legacy of kindness, dedication, community service, and love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all. Hunt is survived by his devoted wife, Sandra Kolankiewicz, and his loving children, Maddie Brawley and Trevor Brawley. He also leaves behind his sister, Kate Brawley Hogan (Thaddeus), his brother, Roland Scott Brawley, several nieces and nephews, cousins, a beloved aunt, in-laws, and many dear friends. A celebration of Hunt's life will be held at a later date, allowing family and friends to gather and honor his memory. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam Street, Marietta, OH 45750, or the Ely Chapman Education Foundation, 403 Scammel St., Marietta, OH 45750.

Readers are encouraged by Hunt’s family to get yearly eye exams. Hunt always was near-sighted. As he aged, his sight improved, and he no longer went in for exams because he felt he no longer needed glasses. His family implores readers to have their eyes checked yearly even if they do not require vision correction. Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home is honored to serve Hunt's family and offers online condolences as well as many other resources by visiting their website, CawleyandPeoples.com, or by following their Facebook page.