Robert M. McGarry

Robert M. McGarry, 80 of Clearfield, PA, passed away on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at his residence.He was born on February 14, 1929 in Curwensville, PA and was the son of James A. and Ida M. (Dunn) McGarry.Mr. McGarry served as a welder and equipment installer for TAFCO, Inc. for thirty two years. He was also employed by the Marriott Corporation as a Senior Mechanical Coordinator in Washington, D.C. and Euro Disney as a Food Service Equipment Consultant in Paris.Mr. McGarry served his country in the United States Army during the occupation of Korea. He was released in 1949 and returned to civilian life for a brief period of time; hence the Korean War Invasion activated him again. This time he served with the United States Marine Corp, which returned him to Korea. Sergeant McGarry earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with two bronze star attachments, the United Nations Service Medal and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, during his time served in the military.He was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Local #12 for fifty years, a lifetime member of the Rescue Hose and Ladder Company in Curwensville, Elks Lodge #540 in Clearfield and the First Marine Division Association in Quantico, VA. He was a member of the Clearfield American Legion-John Lewis Shade Post #6, the Fraternal Order of Eagles-Aerie #812 in Clearfield. Mr. McGarry also was a member of the NRA in Fairfax, VA.Mr. McGarry is survived by his wife Constance (Rhoads) McGarry, whom he married on June 1, 1985; four children: Terry Lee McGarry of Camp Hill, PA, Michael James McGarry and his wife Barbara of Bradford, PA, Kimberly Ann Clukey and her husband Bryon of Clearfield, PA and Bobbi Jean Sterndale and her husband Dennis of Clearfield, PA; nine grandchildren: Jonathan R. Ogden and his wife Laura of Austin, PA, Erin E., Scott Ryan and Bevin J. Ogden of Chambersburg, PA, Michael R. and Shannon R. McGarry of Bradford, PA, Danielle M. Jury of Clearfield, PA, Brandi L. Smith and her husband Lucas of St. Marys, PA and Tyler M. Shaw of Clearfield, PA; two great-grandchildren: Madyson T. Liptak of Clearfield and Brennan J. Ogden of Austin, PA; a son in-law, Rev. Scott R. Ogden of Coudersport, PA. He is also survived by a sister, Judith and two brothers: David and Charlie McGarry.He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife and mother of his children, Joanne (Knerr) McGarry, who passed away on September 8, 1997, a daughter, Tracy J. Ogden, and two brothers, James I. and William E. McGarry.A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 23, 2009 at 11:00 AM at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Clearfield with Rev. A. Glenn Williams officiating. Interment will be in the Crown Crest Memorial Park in Hyde, PA.At the request of Mr. McGarry there will be no public visitation or viewing.Military honors will be accorded at the church by members of the Clearfield Honor Guard with members from the Clearfield American Legion Post #6 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1785.The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 102 E. Cherry Street, Clearfield, PA 16830 or to the American Cancer Society, 26 S. Second Street, Clearfield, PA 16830 or to the charity of the donor's choice.Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Bennett and Houser Funeral Home, Inc. of Clearfield, PA.To send an on-line tribute go to www.bennettandhouser.com