Robert “Bob” Stetson McClure, of Bristol, died peacefully at his home on Feb. 26 with his daughter Holly, his partner of 18 years, Johanna Hahn, who lovingly cared for him in his final hours and her son Jason by his side.
Born July 31, 1944 in Hartford, Conn., Bob was raised in Manchester and Rocky Hill, Conn. before moving to Berlin, Conn. in 1965. Bob McClure had resided in Bristol for the past several years, taking up residence in the house that his father built in the 1970’s.
He was the son of the late Eugene and Eleanor (Taylor) McClure. Mr. McClure attended schools in Manchester, Conn., the Robinson School in Hartford and the Arnold School, Pembroke, Mass., graduating in 1962. Following graduation, Bob was employed with his father at McClure Auto of New Britain, Conn. and later by A.C. Hine Pontiac, Hartford, Conn. In 1972, along with his long time childhood friend James Kelsey of Florida, they formed the Connecticut Coach Company, Wallingford, Conn.
Bob found great joy in the many years he spent boating on Long Island Sound, vacationing with family and friends in Block Island, Newport and New York, fishing and scuba diving with the Scuba Diving Club of New Britain, Conn. His area of expertise was spear fishing, winning many trophies for his accomplishments. Upon retiring to Maine, Bob kept busy during the summer months working at The Muscongus Bay Lobster Company and when the summer season ended, he spent the fall cutting wood and looking after his many acres of woodland. He will be most remembered for always lending help to his friends and neighbors and his good sense of humor.
Bob is survived by his loving daughter Holly Taylor Signore and husband James of Meridan, Conn.; sister Susan McClure and husband Ralph and daughter Katie; his loving partner Johanna Hahn and her son Jason of Bristol; Johanna’s sister Caroline of Connecticut, extended family in Holland and several cousins of Connecticut.
Calling hours March 1, at the Strong Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta, and 6-8 p.m., Friday, March 7, at the Rose Hill Funeral Home, 580 Elm St., Rocky Hill, CT. A service to honor Bob’s memory at 10:30 a.m., Sat., March 8, at the Berlin Congregational Church, Worthington Ridge, Berlin, Conn. He will be laid to rest, with his parents, at the Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill, following the service.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in Bob’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Maine division, One Main St., Topsham, ME 04086.
