Mr. Robert Clayton Lauria

October 31, 1939 - January 3, 2019

Robert Clayton Lauria, age 79, of Bridgeport, passed away surrounded by family after a brief illness, on Thursday, January 3, 2019, at Covenant Cooper. The son of Clayton and Alma Lauria, Robert was born on October 31, 1939, in Bay City, MI. He married his best friend, Ms. Barbara Kemp-Tyson on July 27th, 1993, on the island of Maui at sunset. Robert “Uncle Bob” Lauria embraced the beauty of the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and also looked forward to deer hunting season. He balanced his adoration for the outdoors with his love for being around others. Bob frequently attended Detroit Pistons basketball games and enjoyed shopping while traveling the world with his tall and beautiful wife, Barb. Following in the family’s footsteps, Bob’s work life began on the farm harvesting vegetables for local markets. Next, he earned a living at Defoe Ship Building and then GM Delphi Chassis, where he was a Millwright for 30 years. As a member of the UAW Local 467, Bob was a local bargaining chairman, a skilled trades representative, vice-chair of the UAW Community Action Program, and a UAW/Delphi Health and Safety Trainer. This hard-working man also took on Macy’s in Flint Township for 10 years and Bronner’s in Frankenmuth for over 5 years. Bob was also a former member of Messiah Missionary Baptist Church. Robert is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Kemp-Lauria; children, Sue (Keith) Heinemann of Sachse, TX, Julie (Jeff) Russell of Wyoming, MI, Robert M. (Deana) Lauria of Bloomington, IL, and Cathy Lauria of Arlington, TX ; step daughter, Kenya (John Hall) Tyson of Grand Rapids; step daughter-in-law Princetta Howard-Kemp of Westland; grandson, Chase Russell; step grandchildren, Kenyon Hall and D’Andria Kemp; Siblings, Vern (Jan) Lauria, Lila (Bob) Hompstead, Jeannie (John) Laverty, Bonnie (Ron) Kasper, all of Bay City, Delbert (Mary) Lauria, of Bloomfield Hills Sisters-in-law, Vyethel (Michael) Peterson of Los Angeles, CA, Linda Robinson of Saginaw; Brothers-in-law, Ludmond Kemp, Edward Kemp, and Nathaniel Kemp III, all of Saginaw; mother-in-law, Dorothy Parham Kemp, who loved him like her own son; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Clayton and Alma Lauria; Stepson, D’Andre L Kemp; sister-in-law, Blanchia Kemp; and his dog Nellie. Barb would like to thank her special support team, daughter Ms. Kenya Tyson, nieces, Calvess Burnett, Tamika Kemp, R’reanna Davis; cousin Loretta Davis, and special Neighbors Edward & Barb Sims & Family. The family would also like to thank Pastor Strozier and the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church family and Pastor Otis Washington and the Messiah Missionary Baptist Church for their love and support. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, January 8, 2019, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Fischer Family Funeral Home, 504 N. Michigan Ave., Saginaw, MI, 48602. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m., at Messiah Missionary Baptist Church, 2615 Williamson Rd., Saginaw, MI 48601. Pastor Otis Washington will officiate. Burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Saginaw. For information, please call (989) 755-8277. For online condolences, please visit www.fischerfuneral.com.