Obituary for Robert W. McCracken, Jr.

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Robert W. McCracken, Jr., 71, of Philadelphia, on February 19, 2025. He was the beloved son of the late Robert and Elizabeth (nee Freed) McCracken.

Rob was the proud father of Robert (Lauren), Matthew (Brittany), Thomas (Lauren), Anne Cashman (Christopher), and Katherine Matheussen (Joseph). He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: James, Ryan, Luke, Emilia, Robin, Thomas, Alexandra, William, Christopher, Evan, Cassidy, Charles, Martin, and Charlotte. He was the loving brother to Kathleen Hagan (Thomas), Joan Hill (Joseph), and Patricia McGrath (Patrick), and predeceased by his sister, Barbara Zirklebach.

Rob's charm, wit, and humor were infectious. He was the life of the party wherever he went, usually with his guitar in hand and an arsenal of Rob-isms at the ready. He brought joy to all around him, sharing his passion for music, Philly sports, and summers at the Jersey Shore.

Rob was a 1971 graduate of Cardinal Dougherty High School and was awarded a football scholarship to Drexel University, where he was a 1976 graduate from the School of Engineering with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. He played tight end for the Semi-Pro Bucks County Redskins football team. Rob was a jack of all trades spending much of his early career working for PECO, before turning to carpentry, home building, and ultimately mortgage brokering. His proudest accomplishment, though, was being a father to five and "pops" to fourteen grandkids, who always knew they were loved more than anything.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing at 9:30 AM on Friday, February 28, 2025, at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church, 535 Rhawn St, Philadelphia, PA 19111. A funeral Mass to honor Rob's life will be celebrated at 10:30 AM. Interment will be held privately at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Philadelphia FOP