Robert William Clash

Bob was born in Lakewood, Ohio, to parents Richard F. and Marjorie Clash, and grew up in Plainfield, New Jersey, alongside his two brothers, Dave and Tom. He spent carefree summers at Lake Shawnee with his family. Bob attended Plainfield High School, where he was very active in all sports and music. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Lehigh University, where he was also a proud member of the Alpha Chi Rho fraternity.

Bob met the love of his life, Joanne, at the Niagara Ski Club in Niagara Falls, New York. They married in December 1965 and shared nearly 60 years of love, laughter, and adventure.

Bob’s career in the steel industry with Union Carbide (later UCAR and then GrafTech) spanned over 50 years and took him and Joanne across the country, moving nine times throughout his career. Despite the demands of work, Bob always prioritized family. He was known for his great sense of humor, hearty laugh, and ability to speak from the heart. He had a gift for connecting with everyone he met and brought a youthful spirit to all he did.

Bob’s proudest role was being a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He and Joanne raised two children, Dan and Lorie, creating a lifetime of treasured memories through family ski vacations and their beloved annual Adirondack summer trips to Covewood. In later years, Bob found immense joy in spending time with his grandsons—building, exploring, cheering them on at sporting events, and sharing unforgettable adventures in Kauai and at Covewood.

Beyond his career and family, Bob embraced life with energy and enthusiasm. An avid runner, he completed many races and marathons, with the New York Marathon always holding a special place in his heart. He shared a lifetime of boating adventures, waterskiing, found joy on the golf course, and relished hiking trips and snow skiing adventures with friends and family. Coaching his children and later assisting with his grandsons’ teams brought him great pride, as he cherished the chance to encourage and support them. These passions reflected his adventurous spirit, his love for the outdoors, and his deep commitment to his family.

Bob’s legacy lives on in the love he gave so freely, the joy he brought to others, and the countless lives he touched along the way.

He is survived by his beloved wife Joanne; his children, Dan (Michele) Clash and Lorie (Ken) Kleve; his loving grandsons Dane, Garren, Kyson, and Landen; his brothers, Dave Clash and Tom (Marcia) Clash; and many extended family members and dear friends who will miss him deeply.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at a later date.