Robert James McClay

Robert J. McClay of Napanoch died peacefully at home with his family by his side on November 25, 2022 at the age of 83. Robert was born on June 18, 1939 in Wawarsing, NY to the late John and Jessie (Smith) McClay.

Robert honorably served his country for eight years in the United States Marine Corp ranking as Sergeant. As an officer he then became a Marine Embassy Guard of which he was very proud. A lifelong resident of the area, Robert married the love of his life; Diane Geiselhart McClay on November 13, 1965 in Ellenville. He had worked for the Ellenville Police Department and later became a Corrections Officer and Lieutenant at Eastern. While at Eastern he became a trained CERT team member and later retired in July 1994 as Watch Commander. Robert was also a member of the Ellenville Elks Lodge and the American Legion. He will be missed.

Besides his wife Diane at home, Robert is survived by his daughters, Kathleen Madison and her husband Charles ‘Chuck’ of Greenfield Park, and Patricia Shamro and her husband Robert of Neversink; his grandchildren, Rebecca (Luke) O’Neill, James Madison, Morgan Shamro and Macy Shamro; his brother and sister-in-law William McClay (Joan); his sister Lois Lawrence; and many nieces, nephews, good friends and neighbors.

Besides his parents, Robert was predeceased by his brothers Thomas F. McClay and Donald McClay.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, December 1st from 5-7pm at Loucks Funeral Home, 79 N. Main St, Ellenville. The funeral service will be celebrated on Friday the 2nd 10am at the funeral home followed by burial at Fantinekill Cemetery.