Robert “Bob” Vianney Clare
Robert “Bob” Vianney Clare, 90, a resident of Cape Coral, Florida for the past 28 years. Formerly of South Farmingdale, Long Island, New York passed away December 28, 2019 in Cape Coral. He was born September 22 in Manhattan, NYC to Francis and Yvonne Clare, now deceased.
Robert “Bob” was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Cape Coral. He was a veteran of The United States Navy serving as a Boilerman aboard the U.S.S. Foss DE-59 during the Korean conflict and had an outstanding career of 32 years at Grumman aerospace. Retired as an Assistant Plant Manager.
Here are a few of Bob’s defining qualities: He was a man of few words though you always knew what he was thinking. Anyone that met Bob immediately felt like a longtime friend. He welcomed people with open arms, and always had an open house for family, friends and even friends of friends. He was a passionate boater and avid fisherman that swam with a beluga whale in the Atlantic Ocean off Fire Island, New York. He gained a love for jet skis after retiring to Cape Coral with a passion for higher performance and speed. He was an accomplished carpenter, craftsman and boat restorer.
He is survived by five loving children, Bob Clare (Lori) of Cape Coral, Rick Clare (Karin) of Cape Coral, Brian Clare (Donna) of Cape Coral, Tim Clare (Eileen) of Kernesville, NC, and Michael Clare (Susan) of Enumclaw, WA; two brothers, Kenneth Clare (Ginny) of Lexington, KY, and Peter Clare (Barbara) of Clearwater, FL; sister in law, Margaret Clare of Cape Coral; 16 grandchildren; as well as 8 great grandchildren.
Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen Clare in 2016; as well as two siblings, Richard “Dick” Clare and Clifford “Cliff” Clare.
A Memorial Mass will be held 10:30 AM Friday, January 24, 2020 at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 2628 Del Prado Blvd. South, Cape Coral, FL 33904.
Memorial Contributions in memory of Robert Vianney Clare are suggested to Hope Hospice, 9470 Healthpark Cir., Fort Myers, FL 33908.
Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.
I’ve known Bob, for over 40 years. I love him because he always treated me like family, then when I got married to Eve and had children he treated my family like his family. Numerous times while vacationing in Orlando or Fort Myers, I’d call Bob and Helen and they’d invite us over for dinner, drinks,a ride on the jet-ski or boat. Always with an open door and big smile. Bob was a staunch supporter of his own family. He joined in the late night fist-a-cuffs at Timmys bachelor party, trading punches w/20 yr old hoodlums in Suffolk County (thanks for starting that one Michael). Also when we were in Kismet on Fire Island and Brian ran into a beer bottle with his head, and had to be transported to a hospital by police helicopter(for stitches), Bob drove his boat 100 mph through the Great South Bay in the dark of night to meet Brian at the hospital. (I was praying on that boat ride and it wasn’t for Brian). That was a terrible incident for two reasons. 1) It cut short our 3 day fishing trip 2) Me and Brian had to swear off gin, for the rest of our lives.(thanks Brian) Bob had a great run, 90 yrs and strong as an ox. He’s now up in heaven with Helen looking down, at the amazing family they made together. 5 sons, (all successful), grandchildren, great grandchildren. Wow! Bob rest in peace! We love you! Warren and Eve Mueger
Uncle Bob I will miss your smiling face, the dry Clare jokes, your pranks (you scared the —— out of me), the serious talks (when I asked for your advice), the need for speed on those damn jet skis. I knew you would beat me every time. You taught me how to ride correctly-you made sure of this.. You loved everyone with your whole heart. Everything you did in life was on your terms. As you were lying in bed at deaths door, it was on your terms.
You now have started a new chapter-the final one. It’s living your life in Heaven with Jesus. The angels and other family members are waving you on to enter the glorious gates of Heaven.
Uncle Bob, until we meet again you will always be forever in my heart of hearts.
The greatest grandfather, friend and role model. There will never be a love quite like yours. Thanks for filling me with all the dessert and squishy canned peas I could stand. I’ll see you up there one day. Until then, know that I couldn’t love or admire you a single ounce more.