Dr. Robert LeRoy McClarin

Dr. Robert LeRoy McClarin After a long illness, our courageous warrior passed into the arms of his Heavenly Father on August 21, 2012. He was born in Buffalo, N.Y. on 9/18/1941 and moved to Arizona in 1980. Bob will be greatly missed by his best friend and wife of 49 years, Pam, and their children Robert (Mary) McClarin, Christopher McClarin, Elizabeth (Howard) Baker, Kathleen (Edward) Bridges, and Todd Joseph McClarin. He delighted in his five grandchildren Holly Rachel and Corbin Shea McClarin, Stephanie Erin and Tyler Lee Baker, and Jayden Michael Bridges. He is also survived by his sister Judith McClarin Saslow. His life was one of dedication and service to his faith. He was Lay Leader to the Cursillo Movement in the Diocese of Philadelphia, a teen catechism instructor, choir director at Blessed Sacrament in Scottsdale, & St. Raphael's in Glendale, a choir member at St. Thomas More in Glendale, AZ, and a sponsor for Catholic Relief Services in the resettlement of Vietnamese Refugees. His 'extended family' includes Truyen and Cache Vu, and Khanh Dinh. Bob began his career as a music teacher in N.Y. and worked as a V.P. of Student Affairs at the State Univ. College in Buffalo, N.Y. while studying for and receiving his Doctorate from the University of Buffalo, N.Y. He was a Principal at New Eagle Elementary School in the Tredyffrin-Easttown School District, PA and Desert Shadows and Desert Cove Elementary Schools in Paradise Valley School District, AZ. He had adjunct professor positions at NOVA and Grand Canyon Universities. Community involvement was close to Bob's heart. He participated in the Fresh Air Fund, Big Brothers, Habitat for Humanity, and Council on Adoptable Children. Bob was active in the Property Owner's Associations wherever he lived often serving as President. He, with his wife, created a fund to provide backpacks with school supplies, clothing, and golf clubs to underprivileged children. His philanthropic activities were wide-spread. Bob lived a rich life traveling the U.S. and the world (with a very special trip to visit the McClarin Family Kirk (church) in Scotland.) Golfing was at the top of his list and he was thrilled with his 'Hole in One' and Club Championship Trophies. His interests were diverse and from rafting and hiking the Grand Canyon, playing computer games and camping with the kids and grandkids, to reading, theater, symphonies, and Shakespeare in Cedar City, Utah. The family is thankful to Dr. Sharon Ondreyco and the staff at Saguaro Cancer Center for their care and dedication during his illness. Bob's life will be celebrated on Saturday, September 8, 10:00 A.M. at The Church of Saint Thomas More, 6180 W. Utopia Rd., Glendale, AZ. In lieu of flowers please send donations to: Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014 or St. Thomas More Music Ministry, 6180 W. Utopia Rd., Glendale, AZ 85308.

Click here to view the obituary as it appeared in print.