Robert R. McQuaid

Robert R. “Mac” McQuaid, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle, passed away unexpectedly on February 17, 2026 at Gettysburg Hospital. A resident of Orrtanna, PA since 1995, Bob was 93 years old. Born July 10, 1932 in Aspinwall to the late Edwin Heyd and Anna (Fischer) McQuaid, Bob was a proud Pittsburgh native. A 1954 graduate of Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon), he earned an Electrical Engineering degree that would serve him well. He enjoyed a lifelong career designing advanced radar systems at Westinghouse in Baltimore, MD. These systems included those found on the F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-4 Phantom II and the E-3 Sentry AWACS plane, in addition to several of the DEA Drug Interdiction planes chasing bad guys trying to smuggle drugs. Bob and Jan raised their family in Glen Burnie, MD, where they built life-long friendships that continue to this day. They treasure memories from their Glen Lutheran Church family, Jaycees, Indian Guides, Boy Scouts, and with countless neighborhood friends. Bob was a voracious reader who literally wore out his library card and frequently juggled 2-3 books at a time. He always had wise words and loved to debate both sides of any discussion. Born with the gift of gab, he never was at a loss for words in any social setting.

Bob served in the US Air Force as an F-86 Sabre fighter pilot from 1955 to 1959 and loved to talk about his experiences and share his vast knowledge of fighter jets.

Bob and Jan settled into a pre-1863 built Civil War house in Orrtanna in 1995 where the family all bumped their heads on the rough hewn beams in the living room. Their home was affectionately called ‘The Orchard’ by their family due to the apple, peach, plum and pear trees on the property. The Orchard is a respite from the world where a kind heart, words of wisdom and a delicious loaf of Bob’s freshly baked bread, Jan’s homemade “Momma McQuaid’s” jam and their bread & butter pickles were readily available.

Bob lead a passionate life of service to others. Always the first person to lend a hand or lend an ear, he was a true Servant Leader of God. A decades-long volunteer with Meals on Wheels, Upper Adams Lions Club, Mission of Mercy, Medical Missions International, and he also went on several dental-focused missions to Central American countries. At Trinity Lutheran he served on several committees and sang in the choir. Walking around in his stylish Scotch plaid Tam’o Shanter hat, Bob was known in the neighborhood as “The Mayor of Orrtanna.” He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Jan (Warms) McQuaid and their children Jody Morgan and husband, Donald of Landenberg, Peter McQuaid and wife, Laura of Fanwood, NJ and Rev. Dr. Michael McQuaid and wife, Carol of Reistertown, MD. His 7 grandchildren are Christopher Morgan and wife Christine, William Morgan, David Morgan and wife Monica, Katie McQuaid, Meghan Stramara and husband Nick, Kayleigh Koehler and husband Mitch and Ian McQuaid. Rounding out the family are his 4 great-grandchildren Jackson and Lillian Stramara and Hudson and Maddox Koehler. And lastly, Bob is survived by his brother Roger McQuaid of Milford, PA. Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Carolyn Thomas of Santa Barbara, CA.

Professional services have been entrusted to Dugan Funeral & Cremation, Ltd., 111 S. Main Street, Bendersville. The funeral service will be held at 11 am on Saturday March 21st at Trinity Lutheran Church 38 N. High Street, Arendtsville, PA 17303. The Rev. Dale Williams will officiate. Friends will be received from 10 am until time of service. Robert will be laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery, Arendtsville with military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to Trinity Lutheran Church in his honor. To leave a condolence for the family, please visit DuganFH.com.