Robert James "Bob" Clay, 87, of Pen Argyl passed away Monday, April 1, 2024, at his residence with family by his side. He was born December 2, 1936, in Brooklyn, NY, the son of the late James and Dorothy Paulson Clay. He was the beloved husband of Judith Davis Clay.

As a young man, he served in the US Army, stationed in Hawaii during the 1950s. He was the owner/operator of Century Press, located in Tamaqua, until retirement.

Bob was passionate about life and never slowed down. His many interests were diversified, ranging from space to athletics. He loved steam trains, taking every opportunity to ride behind an engine. He set up his model trains as often as possible, especially around Christmas. Bob loved to dance, play baseball and softball, and go to the shore where he surfed the waves as long as he could! He always delighted in sharing stories and information about his favorite things—anywhere and everywhere but particularly over dinner.

He actively held memberships in local fraternal organizations, having served as a past president and secretary of the Tamaqua Lions Club and sustaining Masonic membership with the Tamaqua/Mahanoy City Lodge No 238 F&AM.

In addition to his wife Judy, Bob leaves behind his only child, daughter Patricia M. Clay and her husband Rev. Lance Fox of Staten Island, NY; granddaughter Katherine Kelley, currently a junior at SUNY Purchase College; sister, Arlene Lederle, and her husband Roger of Toms River, NJ; niece, Holly Lederle, and nephew, Roger W. Lederle and his wife Victoria, and their children and grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister Jane.

Services will be held on Thursday, April 4, at 5 pm at Flicksville UCC Church. Arrangements are under the care of Schmidt Funeral Home, PC, 202 West St., Wind Gap.

In lieu of flowers contributions, in Bob's name, may be offered to the Virginia Museum of Transportation, https://explore.vmt.org/product/support-vmt/1512; please specify "611 Project."