Robert Leo Clouse

1943 - 2025

Robert Leo Clouse, 81, of Slippery Rock Township, passed away at his residence on Sunday, March 2, 2025, following an extended illness.
Bob was born in Butler on June 20, 1943, to Aylesworth Leo Clouse and Katherine Lucille Miller Clouse. He grew up in the Institute Hill neighborhood of Butler. As a child, he played football and baseball, displayed and raced model trains with his father and brothers, was an altar boy at St. Peter Church in Butler, a Soap Box Derby champion and an Eagle Scout.
Bob attended St. Peter Catholic School before spending three years at St. Fidelis Seminary. He spent his senior year at Butler High School and was on the Golden Tornado varsity tennis team. After high school, Bob enlisted in the military and was invited to join the Army Security Agency, studying at the Army language school in Monterey, Calif., before being stationed in Germany for three years.
After the Army, Bob returned home and married his high school sweetheart, Deanna Kathryn Stephenson, on July 9, 1966. He continued his education at Fenn College of Engineering (Cleveland State University), graduating with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering. He began his career with Armco Steel in Butler, retiring as general manager for engineering and maintenance after 37 years of service.
Retirement was short-lived for Bob as he soon began a construction management role at St. Vincent College in Latrobe. What started as a short-term gig turned into an 18-year career that introduced new friends, experiences and golf courses in the Laurel Highlands.
In addition to his professional life, Bob was a constant and committed member of the community. He served on the board of directors of the Armco Credit Union for over 30 years, was on the parish council at St. Peter in Butler and the finance council at St. Faustina in Slippery Rock, and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus.
Bob enjoyed many pursuits, including hunting and camping trips, woodworking projects, and traveling with family and friends. Along with his wife, Deanna, he was part of a couples card club for over 50 years. His main passion was golf and he played in several leagues, worked his slice at courses around the country (including achieving a coveted ace) and helped raise tens of thousands of dollars through charity outings. He also loved identifying the many birds in his backyard, working through a crossword with a mechanical pencil and perfecting his ham gravy recipe.
Bob will be remembered by family and close friends for his generosity, intellect, hard work, helpfulness and easy sense of humor. He was always up for a project. He let others shine. He always showed up.
Bob is survived by his wife, Deanna K. Clouse; son, Mark R. (Deanna L.) Clouse of Sewickley; daughters, Dr. Amy L. Clouse of Philadelphia and Lisa M. Clouse of Pittsburgh; grandchildren, Ellen R. Clouse of Pittsburgh, Benjamin D. Clouse of Big Sky, Mont., and Annie K. Clouse of Sewickley; sister, Mary Alice (Bill) Scheller of Butler; brothers, Thomas L. (Celine) Clouse of Lititz and John L. (Vicki) Clouse of Butler; and beloved sister-in-law, Sister Donna Stephenson.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
CLOUSE - The family of Robert Leo Clouse, who died Sunday, March 2, 2025, will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 7, at SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock.
A funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 8, at St. Anthony's Church, 232 Boyers Road, Harrisville, PA 16038.
Interment will be in St. Peter Church Cemetery, Butler, following the Mass.
Contributions may be given to the Knights of Columbus in memory of Robert L. Clouse by sending a check to: Knights of Columbus, St. Faustina Council, Attention Dan Vukich, Financial Secretary, 101 Critchlow Way, Harrisville, PA 16038.