Robert Preston McBride

Robert P. McBride, 88, of Bradenton, FL passed away January 31, 2025, at Sarasota

Doctors Hospital in Sarasota, FL surrounded by his loving wife, children, and

grandchildren.

He was born May 18, 1936, the son of Robert Q. McBride and Ruth I. (Clark) McBride. In

1986, he married Dona G. Larimer, who survives.

Bob received his B.A. and teaching certification in history from Grove City College in 1957.

Additionally, he was awarded a M.A. in economics in 1969 from Utah State University and a

M.A. in labor relations from the University of Illinois in 1972.

A long-time resident of Smethport, PA where he raised his family, Bob was employed by the

Smethport Area School District as an educator, teaching history, economics and a cross-

discipline honors course. During his tenure with the Smethport Area School District, he

served as Chairman of the Social Studies Department and was Athletic Director.

Departing from his teaching career in 1981, Bob, always an advocate for labor rights,

continued his career as a labor negotiator for the Pennsylvania State Education

Association with the position of Central-Western PA Uniserve Representative, retiring in

2005. Post retirement, Bob often acted as a labor consultant, arbitrator and mediator for

PSEA. A long-time resident of Punxsutawney, PA, Bob, along with his wife, Dona, were

active in the community and were members of the Presbyterian Church of Punxsutawney.

Bob was also a member of the Punxsutawney Country Club.

Upon his retirement, Bob and his wife divided their time between Punxsutawney, PA and

Bradenton, FL becoming permanent residents of Bradenton in 2022. Although it was

difficult to leave his northern roots, Bob and his wife fully embraced his final home, making

a mark on the Bradenton community. Together Bob and his wife were charter members of

the Peace Presbyterian Church – USA and were instrumental in the growth of the

congregation. Through his church, Bob was dedicated to the inter-denominational

organizations of the Beth-El Farmworker Ministry and Stronger Together Reaching Across

Manatee (STREAM). The former organization provides food, basic necessities, health and

legal services and other humanitarian support for those in need. The latter organization,

STREAM, was very close to Bob’s heart. STREAM works closely with the Manatee County

Commissioners to provide and develop sustainable housing for those in need and for

those who Bob knew make our communities better – the everyday, middle-class worker.

Bob was proud of his involvement with STREAM, which also encompasses educationalprograms, promotes mental health access in schools, and criminal justice reform, for

which Bob was passionate.

Bob dedicated much of his life to advocating for programs and institutions that promoted

social justice and equality, protection of human rights, labor rights and the education of

our youth. Ever the educator, it was Bob’s greatest hope in life that he had made a positive

impact in the lives of his many students, and through his advocacy that he had bettered his

communities.

Bob was an avid and skilled golfer, enjoying the sport throughout his life and was a

supporter of the youth program, First Tee. He was a voracious reader, a lover of jazz and

the ocean, enjoyed traveling, and was a fan of the Pirates and the Steelers. Above all, he

was the teacher, the advocate, and the loving husband, father and grandfather.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by one grandson, Timothy Nannen.

Along with his wife, Dona, he is survived by his daughters, Lynn McBride, Sherri (Greg)

Thomas, and Carol (Graham) Nannen; grandchildren, Jonathan Burford, Kelvin (Jenna)

Thomas, Nicholas Nannen, Natalya (Eric) Rousell, Jeremy (Stephanie) Thomas, Adrienne

(Abby) Nannen, Ethan (Mara) Nannen, and Erika Thomas; and great-granchildren, Angela

Devitt, Chase Burford and Elijah Benson.

A private memorial service will be held at a date to be set by the family. His final resting

place will be at the Peace Presbyterian Church – USA Memorial Garden, which Bob lovingly

tended. Memorials may be made to the Beth-El Farmworker Ministry, Wimauma, FL at

beth-el.org.