Robert A. Mackie, retired clergy and former priest of St John’s Episcopal Church in Winthrop, died peacefully at the Chelsea Jewish Nursing Home. He was 84 years old.

He was born in Washington, DC and graduated from Central High School there. A talented singer and stage performer, he served in the United States Army Chorus and attended the Juilliard School of Music. Following his decision to enter the church, he graduated from New York University and Virginia Theological Seminary. He was an assistant priest at St Bede’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta prior to coming to Winthrop, where he served from 1967 to 1974, and where he is remembered for his ringing tenor voice, his ministry to the town’s young people, his tireless work in opposition to the conflict in Vietnam, and his parish leadership in the rebuilding process that followed a devastating church fire. In 1974 he became the priest at St Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Hanover, Massachusetts, where he remained until his retirement in 1989.

After retirement, he and his wife Myrna lived for many years in Somerville while Bob enjoyed a second stage career among the Boston area’s community theater companies, including the Vokes Theater in Wayland and the Quannapowit Players of Reading. He also served as the minister at Mystic Side Congregational Church in Everett. The couple returned to Winthrop in 2015. They were married for 60 years.

Bob will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, stalwart friend, and spiritual guide and inspiration to countless people. He is survived by Myrna; by his two daughters, Elizabeth and Claudia, who both live in Brooklyn, New York; and by his cat Dolly. His life will be celebrated at a funeral service at St John’s Episcopal Church 222 Bowdoin Street in Winthrop on Wednesday, August 16 at 11:00 AM.

Donations in his memory may be made to the ASPCA at www.aspca.org/donate.

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