Robert McRae 1936-2024
YOUNGSTOWN — Robert McRae, 88, departed this life peacefully at Park Vista Nursing Home, Saturday, May 25, 2024. Robert was born April 7, 1936, in Youngstown, the son of Raymond McRae and Susie Jackson McRae. He was the 11th of 16 children born to his parents. He was a graduate of East High School (1954). He was a U.S. Army veteran serving two years at the Fort Knox, Kentucky Army base (1959-1961).
Robert (Bob, as he was affectionately known to his family) was a professionally trained bricklayer and worked for Youngstown Sheet & Tube Company for 20 years. He also worked as a part-time delivery man for Plaza Donuts after the steel mills closed down in the early 1980s.
Bob also took a course in electronic repair (radio, television and record players) and did repair work to supplement his income. He and his two older brothers, who were also bricklayers, built several all-brick homes for several family members, including their parents.
Bob enjoyed fishing, yard work, watching major sporting events and nature programs on television, and spending time in the public library researching various topics of interest. He was naturally curious about a wide range of subjects.
Bob was generous & kind to all who knew him. He never met a stranger and always had a very positive outlook on life to the very end.
Bob leaves to cherish his memories, two sisters, Betty Butler and Gwendolyn Weaver of Youngstown; and one brother, Harold McRae of Chicago. He also leaves a special niece and caretaker, Ramona Austin; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins and a few very special friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lowell, Raymond Jr. and Donald; sisters, Evelyn Mullins, Mildred Watson, Annie Brown, Geraldine Minter and Dorothy McRae; two of his siblings who died at birth, Winifred and Albert; and two siblings, Irma and William, who died at the ages of 3 and 1, two weeks apart during the pandemic of 1918-1921.
Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 22, 2024, at New Reed’s Chapel, 1939 Jacobs Road, Youngstown, OH 44505.
(special notice)