Robert Edwin Claypoole, Sr.

Robert (Bob) E. Claypoole, Sr., 88, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2025. In his eternal place of rest, he joins his wife of 55 years, Nancy Phyllis (Tetzlaff) Claypoole.

A beloved father, grandfather, husband, and friend, Bob was deeply committed to his family, his faith, his work, and his friends. He raised six children with Nan and welcomed into the world 16 grandchildren and two great grandchildren, to whom he was fondly known as PopPop.

Bob lived a life rich in friendship, learning, travel and work. He was raised in Union, New Jersey, a proud graduate of Union High School, and then attended Cornell University, where he earned his BCE ‘59 and MBA ‘61 and met Nan (Cornell ’61), whom he married in 1962. Upon graduation, Bob joined GATX Corporation and remained a loyal employee of GATX for his professional life, retiring as President of Terminals in 1995.

Bob and Nan moved for Bob’s work to Spain in 1966 and then to Belgium in 1968. They fully embraced their international life, traveling throughout Europe often with their children in tow. Bob and Nan then moved to Barrington, Illinois, where they lived until retiring in 1999 to Sawgrass, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. They continued to travel, making it to all seven continents, with too many highlights to list but including a particularly memorable trip to Antarctica. Along with his many happy travels, Bob enjoyed, but never took too seriously his games: tennis, golf, fishing, crossword puzzles, and Sudoku.

Bob was a builder of community wherever he went. He loved engaging with those he knew well and with those he had just met. He built connection through his kindness and sense of humor, and delighted in ribbing anyone and everyone, finding just the right line and pitch to bring a smile and some laughter. He never failed to see in an ordinary interaction the opportunity for friendship.

Bob loved the Atlantic Ocean and always kept the Jersey Shore close at heart, finding solace and peace there. He found great pleasure in sharing his joy for the beach with his children and their families and, for over 30 years, his and Nan’s Ocean City home has been the center of many memorable family gatherings.

Bob was a natural leader, bringing talent, a quick wit, and humility, to the many times he served as “president” in his schools, work, and community. Throughout, he never lost sight of how his college and professional education opened up paths for him that were not available to his parents. He loved Cornell for the opportunities it gave him and stayed involved in Cornell activities over the years. He and Nan together supported their children and their grandchildren in their educational pursuits, always interested in their ambitions and proud of their accomplishments.

Bob was at heart a storyteller. To the delight of his children and grandchildren, one of his greatest pleasures was sharing his sharp and crystal-clear memories. In those stories, he always conveyed joy and appreciation for the people who and adventures that made his rich life possible. His family and his faith in God were Bob’s north star; he never missed an opportunity to bring the family together or celebrate a child’s or grandchild’s milestone, never took for granted his good fortune, remained steadfast in his faith, and always lived true to his principles and convictions. His stories and the examples he set will stay with us; he will be profoundly missed and forever in our hearts.

Bob is survived by his six children, Patricia Claypoole, Catherine Claypoole (Toby Lester), Kimberly Farrell (John Farrell), Christine Claypoole, Robert Claypoole (Yelitza), and Michael Claypoole (Lauren); 16 grandchildren Sarah, Mikayla, Cory, Emma, Logan, Kate, Jim, Ben, Sofia, Robert, Sage, Elsie, Delaney, Alex, Natalie, and Lilah; two great-grandchildren Owen and Maisie; brother Terrance Claypoole (Mary Ann); two sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Claypoole and Patricia Sylvester; many nephews, nieces and their families; and his dear companion Phyllis Schiavone.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 23rd at 11 am at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Claypoole Family Scholarship at Cornell University which supports Cornell students with financial need. (Donations can be made online at https://giving.cornell.edu/ways-to-give/ (select “other” and designate “Claypoole Family Scholarship” in comments) or Cornell University, Box 37334, Boone, IA 50037-0334.)