Robert Clay, 91, of Mystic died Friday, August 26, 2022 at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Janith Welch Clay, who died in 2019.
Bob was born in Stonington Borough on October 12, 1930, the son of the late Antone and Angeline (Sylvia) Clay. He grew up in Stonington and graduated from Stonington High School in 1948. He joined the U.S. Army and served from 1948 to 1951 during the Korean War.
Upon his return, he met and married Janith Welch and together they raised their family in Mystic. Bob worked at Dow Chemical for nine years and then went on to his second career as a Mail Carrier for the U.S. Postal Service from 1963 until his retirement in 1990. Over the years, Bob also held many second jobs. He was a successful realtor with Boyer Real Estate; he was a housebuilder; he was Sexton at St. Mark’s Church as well as a funeral assistant at Dinoto Funeral Home.
His volunteer duties were many. He was a volunteer fireman and ambulance driver for Hoxie Ambulance; he delivered Meals on Wheels for many years; he was a driver for neighbors in need; he served twice on the Vestry of St. Mark’s Church, as well as being an active member of the congregation. His biggest pride was being a longtime member of the Masonic Coastal Lodge #57. He was a past master in 1970 and also served as treasurer. He was a member of the Scottish Rites and the recipient of the Pierpont Medal.
Bob is survived by his three daughters; Nancy and her husband Bill Caron of Branford, Melinda and her husband John Comeau of Belmont MA, and Jennifer and her husband Ken King of Alexandria VA. He is also survived by his seven beloved grandchildren: Colby (Matthew) Lemieux, Clay Caron, Nick (Erin) Parker, Brittany (John) Poley, Courtney (Robbie) Murray, Stefanie (Jared) Emery, and Diana (Michael) Hannon, as well as 10 great grandchildren and one on the way. He is also survived by Janith’s sister, Marianne Wydler of Mystic.
In addition to his wife, Janith, Bob is predeceased by sister Dorothy Nichols and son-in-law Bill Parker.
Bob’s family will greet relatives and friends on Tuesday, August 30, from 5 to 7pm at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic. Masks and COVID protocol will be required. A private funeral service with full military honors will be held on Wednesday at St. Mark’s Church. Burial will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children or Branford Compassion Club Animal Shelter, 2037 Foxon Road, North Branford CT 06471.
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