John McClaran

Robert McClaran was born in Youngstown, Ohio on October 29, 1920. His mother, Martha, was a homemaker, and his father, Wade, worked in the steel mill. Robert was the oldest of three children. He has two younger sisters, Mary and Martha, who happen to be twins.

After graduating from South High School, Robert attended Wittenberg University. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi. Just two days after he graduated, he was off to the Navy. That is where he spent the next five years. He came home from the Navy and took a job in sales. This job did not last too long, and after working with the company for about one year, Robert took a leave of absence. Robert became the Business Manager of the Youngstown Bears - a basketball team in the National Profession Basketball League. The basketball franchise asked him to help them put together a new team because many of the players headed off to the NBA and a new team needed to be created. He was also a registered basketball official in the Big 10. Robert returned to a sales position after the Bears team was created.

Aside from his love for basketball, Robert also enjoyed sailing and skiing. He was an avid sailor. He has owned many sailboats and has taken part in many regattas all over the world. He also took part in two Olympic trials for sailing, and during a sailing regatta, he met his wife, Ann. Robert and Ann had two daughters: Jacqueline and Stephana.

Robert and his family lived in Boardman, Ohio. His children, just like their parents, also took part in sailing and skiing events. Jacqueline started skiing at the age of 7 and Stephana at the age of 3. Robert continued skiing well into his 80's and is part of the 80 plus Ski Club, that is recognized all over the world!

Robert was a member of The Curbstone Coaches and inducted into the Coaches Hall of Fame in 2009. He served as a member of the Alumni Council of Wittenberg University and as a member. Elder, Trustee, Deacon and usher of the First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown.

Robert is survived by his children, Jacqueline C. McClaran, MD (Jonathan Meakins, MD) of Montreal, Quebec and Stephana McClaran of Petaluma, CA; his grandchildren Hanna Grace Sullivan and Gabriel McClaran Sullivan; and was the brother of Mary A. Zimmerman and the late Martha J. McDonough. The family prefers that those who wish may make contributions in his name to Wittenberg University, the John Robert McClaran Education Scholarship fund, 200 W. Ward St., Springfield, OH 45504 or First Presbyterian Church, 201 Wick Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44503-1099 where a memorial service will be held November 23rd at 2 PM.


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