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Robert P. McBride

1936 - 2025

Robert P. McBride obituary, 1936-2025, Bradenton, FL

BORN

1936

DIED

2025

Robert McBride Obituary

Robert P. McBride, 88, of Bradenton, Florida, passed away Jan. 31, 2025, at Sarasota Doctors Hospital in Sarasota, Florida, surrounded by his loving wife, children and grandchildren.
He was born May 18, 1936, the son of Robert Q. McBride and Ruth I. (Clark) McBride. In 1986, he married Dona G. Larimer, who survives.
Bob received his B.A. and teaching certification in history from Grove City College in 1957.
Additionally, he was awarded a M.A. in economics in 1969 from Utah State University and an M.A. in labor relations from the University of Illinois in 1972.
A long-time resident of Smethport, where he raised his family, Bob was employed by the Smethport Area School District as an educator, teaching history, economics and a cross-discipline honors course. During his tenure with the Smethport Area School District, he served as Chairman of the Social Studies Department and was Athletic Director.
Departing from his teaching career in 1981, Bob, always an advocate for labor rights, continued his career as a labor negotiator for the Pennsylvania State Education Association with the position of Central-Western PA Uniserve representative, retiring in 2005. Post retirement, Bob often acted as a labor consultant, arbitrator and mediator for PSEA. A long-time resident of Punxsutawney, Bob, along with his wife, Dona, were active in the community and were members of the Presbyterian Church of Punxsutawney. Bob was also a member of the Punxsutawney Country Club.
Upon his retirement, Bob and his wife divided their time between Punxsutawney and Bradenton, Florida, becoming permanent residents of Bradenton in 2022. Although it was difficult to leave his northern roots, Bob and his wife fully embraced his final home, making a mark on the Bradenton community. Together, Bob and his wife were charter members of the Peace Presbyterian Church – USA and were instrumental in the growth of the congregation. Through his church, Bob was dedicated to the inter-denominational organizations of the Beth-El Farmworker Ministry and Stronger Together Reaching Across Manatee (STREAM). The former organization provides food, basic necessities, health and legal services and other humanitarian support for those in need. The latter organization, STREAM, was very close to Bob's heart. STREAM works closely with the Manatee County Commissioners to provide and develop sustainable housing for those in need and for those who Bob knew make our communities better - the everyday, middle-class worker.
Bob was proud of his involvement with STREAM, which also encompasses educational programs, promotes mental health access in schools, and criminal justice reform, for which Bob was passionate.
Bob dedicated much of his life to advocating for programs and institutions that promoted social justice and equality, protection of human rights, labor rights and the education of our youth. Ever the educator, it was Bob's greatest hope in life that he had made a positive impact in the lives of his many students, and through his advocacy that he had bettered his communities.
Bob was an avid and skilled golfer, enjoying the sport throughout his life and was a supporter of the youth program First Tee. He was a voracious reader, a lover of jazz and the ocean, enjoyed traveling, and was a fan of the Pirates and the Steelers. Above all, he was the teacher, the advocate and the loving husband, father and grandfather.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by one grandson, Timothy Nannen.
Along with his wife, Dona, he is survived by his daughters, Lynn McBride, Sherri (Greg) Thomas, and Carol (Graham) Nannen; grandchildren Jonathan Burford, Kelvin (Jenna) Thomas, Nicholas Nannen, Natalya (Eric) Rousell, Jeremy (Stephanie) Thomas, Adrienne (Abby) Nannen, Ethan (Mara) Nannen, and Erika Thomas; and great-grandchildren Angela Devitt, Chase Burford and Elijah Benson.
A private memorial service will be held at a date to be set by the family. His final resting place will be at the Peace Presbyterian Church – USA Memorial Garden, which Bob lovingly tended. Memorials may be made to the Beth-El Farmworker Ministry, Wimauma, Florida, at beth-el.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Punxsutawney Spirit from Feb. 12 to Feb. 13, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries

Steve Sargent

May 15, 2025

My condolence. Bob was an enjoyable neighbor at our residence in Bradenton and I always enjoyed visiting with him and Dona. Soft spoken, and very knowledgeable in many subjects/areas. He will be greatly missed by many.

Ed Anderson

February 21, 2025

Sorry to see that Bob (Mr. McBride) has passed away. He was one of the teachers at SAJHS when I attended in the 60's. He was also a neighbor of our for several years when his family lived in an apartment on Willow St. He was a great teacher and a fun person to be around. I used to see him at the golf course in Smethport when we be back visiting. Deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

Ed Anderson, Concord, NC

Joan Setree

February 15, 2025

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Bob was a great inspiration to so many, and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Dona, and to the rest of your family.

Jeffrey Lundy

February 14, 2025

It is so sad to hear of the passing of Bob. It has been one my greatest pleasure in life here in Punxsy to have known Bob and Dona. He was such a gentleman and all that word means. My hours and conversations with him on Punxsy Country Club golf course are truly cherished memories. All our sympathy to Dona and family.

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