Irvin Walter Brandel, Iii

Irvin Walter Brandel, III , aged 79 of Copley, died on October 8, 2024. He was born on September 1, 1945 in Cleveland, Ohio. He was the son of the late Alice (Haug) Madden and Irv Brandel, Jr.

In 1963, Irv graduated from Marlington High School in Alliance, Ohio. He received a bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University, where he was Senior Vice President of his class and a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He was awarded an MA from Michigan State University, and a PhD. from the University of Akron. He began his psychology career at the University of Akron, where he worked in the Counseling Center and taught psychology courses. He retired as Director Emeritus of the University's Counseling and Testing Center. Throughout his career as a counseling psychologist, he supported thousands of students and clients in his private practice in Akron, Ohio.

Always one to keep himself busy, he spent much of his retirement reading, writing, providing assessments nationally for the Association of University and College Counseling Center Directors, and official scorekeeping for the Akron Racers pro softball team. Irv was a lifelong Cleveland Guardians fan: for many years, he treated Opening Day each spring like a holiday.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Susan Odell. Irv is survived by his partner of 26 years, Linda Lauffenburger; daughters Christine, Jenn (Ryan), and Darcy (Todd) Brandel; step-daughter Kate (Carrie) Lauffenburger; nephews Todd (Randi) and Brad (Kaci) Odell; grandchildren Antigone, Jonah, Wyatt, Edith, and Frances; and many other family members and friends, including his good neighbor, Sally Gamauf.  He was a true character with a warm heart, a well-honed sense of humor, and a deep and abiding commitment to kindness.

A Celebration of Life will take place from 2-4pm on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd, Akron, Ohio 44333.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Heifer International in Irv's name.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N Miller Road, Akron, OH  44333.