Robert Mcgurkin

Robert A. "Bob" McGurkin, of Winston-Salem, NC died peacefully on Sunday, October 22, 2017.  He was born on September 6, 1931, the son of the late Francis M.and Katherine L. (Sheehan) McGurkin.  He was raised in East Hartford, Connecticut where he attended St. Mary's School and graduated from St. Thomas Seminary of Bloomfield, Connecticut.  Bob enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War where he served as a Supply Sergeant.  Upon completion of his military service, he enrolled at Boston College and graduated in the class of 1956.  He received a Bachelor of Science in History and Government and a varsity letter in basketball.

He joined the Fuller Brush Company in August of 1956 as an Advertising Assistant.  Through his 34-year career at the Fuller, he rose to the position of Director of Marketing where he was responsible for all product marketing, merchandising, sales promotion and incentive programs. Fuller gave Bob the opportunity to live in many places throughout the country. In 1976, Bob and his family left Connecticut and moved for four years to Great Bend, KS.  From there they moved to Kansas City, MO for seven years before settling in Winston-Salem in 1987.

Bob had a passion for sports and every place he lived he adopted the local team, all the while maintaining his loyalty to the Red Sox, Celtics and BC Eagles. While Bob enjoyed supporting his local teams, his greatest joy came from supporting the teams involving his sons and grandsons. From youth baseball and soccer to Bishop McGuinness High School athletics, Bob took great pride in watching them play.

An avid golfer, Bob spent many hours on the links winning numerous tournaments.  He was victorious in two club championships at the Petroleum Club in Great Bend, Kansas and runner-up at Manchester Country Club in Manchester, Connecticut.

At each place, Bob played an active role in his community and church. In Connecticut, Bob quickly put his degree to good use by getting involved in politics. He served his community as Town Councilman.

Devoted to his faith, Bob was an active member of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, volunteered at Hospice & Palliative Care Center of Winston-Salem, Habitat for Humanity and Samaritan Ministries.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Dolores Lydia (LaBranche) McGurkin, their four children and their families:  Francie and Greg Bray and their children Hope and Hugh of Winston-Salem, Robin and Jeff Smith and their son Sam of Winston-Salem, Christopher and Ashley McGurkin and their daughters Lydia Rose and Jane of Charlotte and Brian McGurkin of Winston-Salem.  He is also survived by his sister Ann Carole Moylan of Durham, NC.  He is predeceased in death by his brothers Gerald E. McGurkin, Francis "Skip" McGurkin and his sister, Sister Jane McGurkin.

At Bob's request, there will be no calling hours.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11A.M., on Monday, October 30 at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church with Father Brian J. Cook officiating..  In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions in his memory to be made to The Hospice & Palliative Care Center of Winston-Salem (www.hospicecarecenter.org) or The Nativity School of Durham, NC (www.durhamnativity.org). Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com (Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel)

Previous Events

Cemetery Details