Robert L. McCleary

Robert Lovett McCleary, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at the Glen at Willow Valley in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on March 13, 2026. He led a long and active life marked by devotion to family, dedication to his career, and a willingness and passion for helping others. He was known for his dry sense of humor, strong work ethic, and his belief that staying active in both body and mind was the key to a full and meaningful life.

Born on December 1, 1932, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Bob was the eldest child of Robert H. and Elma L. McCleary. He spent his earliest childhood years on the family farm in Maine. When his family later moved to Pennsylvania, he lived in five different counties during his school years, an experience that helped shape his adaptability and independence. Bob graduated from Canton High School (Canton, PA) in 1951, not surprisingly being recognized as “Best Bluffer” in his senior yearbook.

Following his service in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed at several locations in the United States and Europe, Bob earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Management from The Pennsylvania State University, completing both degrees in four years. He married Marilyn Jane Cool on June 9, 1956, and the couple eventually settled in Corning, New York, where they built their life together and raised their two children. In later years, the couple lived in Highlands Ranch, CO, and Glenmoore, PA, before moving to Willow Valley Communities in Lancaster, PA. Church was an important part of their life and Bob was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Corning, NY; Saint Andrew United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch, CO; and Hopewell United Methodist Church in Downingtown, PA.

Bob began his professional career with Corning Glass Works (now Corning Incorporated), where his varied career spanned nearly three decades and included positions in engineering, consumer affairs, training, and productivity in the Consumer Products Division. He also held several patents from his time at Corning. After retiring from Corning, he worked for a number of years as Vice President of Customer Service for American Television & Communications Corp. (ATC), a division of Time Warner Entertainment in Englewood, CO. Bob was a past president of the Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals (SOCAP); past Chairperson of the Advisory Council of the State University of New York, School of Human Ecology, Cornell University; past member of both the Corporate Development Committee and the Editorial Review Board, Human Ecology Forum, SUNY, Cornell; as well as numerous professional Consumer Product Safety organizations. In his retirement years, Bob was a familiar face volunteering at local American Red Cross blood banks.

A resident of Manor North at Willow Valley for 14 years, Bob was well known for his dedication to family, friends, and healthy living. Anyone seated with him in the dining room likely received an in-depth education on the health benefits of eating blueberries. Even after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease six years ago, he remained determined to maintain his strength and mobility by working with a personal trainer three times a week. His progress earned him recognition with a monthly resident spotlight featured in the fitness center for his dedication, drive, and determination.

Above all else, Bob was devoted to his family, who will miss him very much. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marilyn, with whom he shared more than six decades of marriage. He is survived by his son, Scott (Lynette) McCleary of Richmond, VA; his daughter, Jennifer (William) Butler of Chester Springs, PA; two cherished granddaughters, Schuyler McCleary and Kendall McCleary of Virginia; and his younger brother, Jetson McCleary of Webster, NY. He was the treasured uncle of Beverly Wilson of Rocklin, CA; Stephen (Marie) Cool of Central Point, OR; and Ryan (Sharon) Lenox of Loganville, GA.

Bob’s family would like to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to the wonderful caregivers and many friends who offered their kindness, compassion, and support. Their presence in our father’s life brought him not only comfort but also meaning, and the care they provided made all the difference. The patience, warmth, and genuine concern they showed helped our father feel loved and valued, and it truly touched the hearts of his family.

A Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held at a later date. Please check back for details at SnyderFuneralHome.com.