Robert Mack

Wednesday, March 28, 1951, was a 58-degree day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was also the day Robert Leighton Mack entered this world and began his life’s journey. Nearly seventy-one years later, God decided to call Robert home to Glory. A Time to Nurture Robert was the youngest son of the late Geraldine Mack and Starling Mack. Robert and his brother Gregory (who preceded him in death) were blessed to be reared and influenced by his loving mother and grandmother. Raised in North Philadelphia, Robert matriculated through Philadelphia’s Public School System. A Time to Grow The early 1970s represented some life-changing decisions for Robert. After graduating from Simon Gratz High School in 1970, Robert focused on building a better life. He joined the United States Marine Corps in June 1970, where he excelled. It was during that time at Camp Lejeune that he received his basic police training. It was also when he married Nadine, his high school sweetheart, and celebrated the birth of son Robert (“Scooter”) and daughter Renee, After leaving the Marine Corps in May of 1973, Robert moved to Baltimore, Maryland, and for the next fifty years, he called it home. A Time to Flourish During the mid and late 1970’s Robert came onto his own. He joined the Baltimore City Police Department and met Stanley Lawrence during the Academy. Through Stan, he met a circle of friends whom he has kept for life. In particular, the late Reginald Pinder became his best friend/brother. A Time to Love In the late 1970’s Robert met Aletha Drumwright. Affectionately known as “Lee,” she won Robert’s heart. Robert and Aletha were united in marriage on September 11, 1982. Four years later, their son Reginald Leighton Mack was born. Their home on Mohawk Avenue was filled with laughter and a favorite place for their friend circle. Together with friends, they traveled, gave parties, attended music concerts and nightclubs, and loved spending time together. Robert’s artistic talents (influenced by his mother) and love for music and electronics dominated quite a few conversations. He could jury rig any solution. Robert Jr. remembers his father making up songs on the organ, stating, “We share that love for music.” Robert was an avid reader, a master storyteller, and always ready for a debate. His point of view could be described as abstract, sometimes outlandish, with a brush of “Robert Mack” logic. He believed that, at its core, you could never defy logic. With an infectious personality, he never met a stranger and was always a lifelong learner. “Creativity is a major part of my DNA because of his influence,” says son Reginald. A Time to Reflect After ten years of marriage, God called Aletha home to Glory in 1992. As a single parent, Robert devoted his life to raising his six-year-old son along with the love and support of Godparents Reginald & Sharon Pinder and Joyce Jackson. After a career in public safety, he worked in transportation, electronics, cabling, and communications. In recent years, Robert retired and loved to create art pieces, view his movies, and troubleshoot problems with technology and electronics for anyone who needed help. “When I think of my Dad, I think of the long talks we would have about any and everything,” says daughter Renee. “He would end our calls by saying love you much.” A Time to Mourn Robert leaves to cherish his memory and expand his legacy: his children, Robert Mack Jr., Renee Mack and Reginald Mack; grandchildren, McKenzie Stowe and Jada Mack; goddaughter, Megan Roundtree; and an extended family and host of cherished friends, all of whom he loved.

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Robert Mack

March 28, 1951 - January 3, 2023