Robert Neil Clark

Robert Neil Clark

Robert Neil Clark, 85, died peacefully on January 10th. He was surrounded by Mary, his wife of 65 years; and his children, Mary Ann (Dave) Wandor, Kerry Patrick (Amy) Clark, and Teresa Clark. Bob and Mary were high school sweethearts who became lifelong soulmates.

He was born in Howell, MI, to Elba and Irma Clark, where he was raised with his sister, Joan (Chuck) Clapper. Bob was the first in his family to attend college. He spent 10 years working multiple jobs, raising children and taking classes whenever he could at Michigan State University before earning his Bachelor of Science degree. He was a chemist for Owens Illinois for 30 years, where he became a world-renown problem solver and a patented inventor in glass manufacturing. After retirement, he became a tutor to his grandchildren, who affectionately called him "Bumpy," and their friends, and he also taught chemistry to nursing students at Lourdes College in Sylvania. He was a popular, well-loved professor who enjoyed sharing his passion for science with young people so much that it may have been his true calling. He spent long hours in the kitchen testing and perfecting experiments for his students that went far beyond the average demonstrations.

Bob was involved with the St. Vincent de Paul charity organization at St. Joseph's Catholic Church for more than two decades. He was a Life Master Bridge player, a handyman and car mechanic, a wizard with duct tape, and a child at heart. Bob and Mary's fondness for antiquing turned him into a collector of vintage tools and toys, an apt representation of his love for fixing things and being silly with children. He enjoyed music, reading and history, and he never missed an opportunity to tell a bad joke. He was practical and conservative, and also generously non-judgmental and open-minded. He looked for the good in people and let most everything else roll off his back.

Although his loved ones have lost a gentleman and a gentle man, the seeds of his goodness have rooted deeply within them and will bear fruit for many generations. In addition to his three children, he has delighted in welcoming eleven grandchildren, Mitch McVicker, Matthew (Haley) McVicker, Christopher (Shayna) Wandor, Stephen (Jennifer) Wandor, Andrew Wandor, Philip Wandor, Mary Wandor, Elizabeth Wandor, Sarah (John) Sira, Robbie (Caitlin) Clark and Teresa Wandor; along with ten great-grandchildren.

The Clark family will receive friends at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave, Toledo, on Wednesday, January 28th, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a rosary recitation at 6:30 p.m. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Thursday, January 29th, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 5373 Main St., Sylvania. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to either St. Vincent de Paul in Sylvania, or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

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