Obituary for Robert William McClatchie Jr.
Robert W. McClatchie Jr., 92, passed away Friday, May 21, 2021, in the care of Reading Hospital after a long battle with his health. Born in Reading to the late Robert W. McClatchie Sr. and his wife, Florence (Gambler), Bob was the husband for 70 years of Dorothy (Hoy).
Many would remember Bob, or “Red,” as he was known, from the Avenue Bicycle Shop on Schuylkill. As a teenager, he had been entrusted with a Schwinn dealership, and he had gotten the taste for entrepreneurship. For many years he worked at Arnold’s Book Bindery, where he was instrumental in the establishment of the worker’s union. In 1963 Bob went into business with his father when they co-founded the Berks Security Locksmith and Safe Service, Inc. After Bob’s retirement in 1996, the business remained in his family. He served as a past president of the Greater Philadelphia Locksmith Association.
A civic-minded man, Bob was deeply committed to the Order of Freemasons. He was a 32 degree Mason and Brother of Reading Lodge No. 549. Bob was an active member of the stage crew and the Golden Eagles for many years.
Bob had been a member of Advent Lutheran Church for almost 40 years.
In addition to his wife, Dorothy, Bob’s memory will be treasured by his children: Patricia A. Ignatosky (John) of Hummelstown; Karen E. Mengel (Randy Kaplan) of Temple; Dennis T. McClatchie of Reading; and Doug M. McClatchie (Amy R.) of Brecknock Township. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Melissa Mengel, Stephen Ignatosky (Amy), Meghan Ignatosky, Paige McClatchie, and Michael McClatchie; and his great grandchildren, Leah and Connor Ignatosky.
Bob was predeceased by his sisters, Kathryn Santoro and Hazel Keiffer.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob’s memory may be offered to the Kidney Foundation of Central Pennsylvania, 900 S Arlington Ave #134a, Harrisburg, PA 17109.
Memorial Services for Robert will be held on Monday, June 7, 2021, at 2:00 pm at the Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA, 19611. Friends and family may visit with the family from 1:00 pm until the start of services. Masks will be optional for fully vaccinated guests, but the family respectfully requests non-vaccinated persons comply in wearing their masks.
Condolences, tributes, and fond memories may be expressed at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.
Many would remember Bob, or “Red,” as he was known, from the Avenue Bicycle Shop on Schuylkill. As a teenager, he had been entrusted with a Schwinn dealership, and he had gotten the taste for entrepreneurship. For many years he worked at Arnold’s Book Bindery, where he was instrumental in the establishment of the worker’s union. In 1963 Bob went into business with his father when they co-founded the Berks Security Locksmith and Safe Service, Inc. After Bob’s retirement in 1996, the business remained in his family. He served as a past president of the Greater Philadelphia Locksmith Association.
A civic-minded man, Bob was deeply committed to the Order of Freemasons. He was a 32 degree Mason and Brother of Reading Lodge No. 549. Bob was an active member of the stage crew and the Golden Eagles for many years.
Bob had been a member of Advent Lutheran Church for almost 40 years.
In addition to his wife, Dorothy, Bob’s memory will be treasured by his children: Patricia A. Ignatosky (John) of Hummelstown; Karen E. Mengel (Randy Kaplan) of Temple; Dennis T. McClatchie of Reading; and Doug M. McClatchie (Amy R.) of Brecknock Township. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Melissa Mengel, Stephen Ignatosky (Amy), Meghan Ignatosky, Paige McClatchie, and Michael McClatchie; and his great grandchildren, Leah and Connor Ignatosky.
Bob was predeceased by his sisters, Kathryn Santoro and Hazel Keiffer.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob’s memory may be offered to the Kidney Foundation of Central Pennsylvania, 900 S Arlington Ave #134a, Harrisburg, PA 17109.
Memorial Services for Robert will be held on Monday, June 7, 2021, at 2:00 pm at the Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA, 19611. Friends and family may visit with the family from 1:00 pm until the start of services. Masks will be optional for fully vaccinated guests, but the family respectfully requests non-vaccinated persons comply in wearing their masks.
Condolences, tributes, and fond memories may be expressed at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.