Robert Arthur (Bob) Hathaway, 97, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, July 15, 2025. Born October 1,1927 in Endicott, NY to Joyce Pickering Hathaway. Following his high school graduation in 1945, Bob joined the US Coast Guard and after six months entered the Army Air Corps serving when the Air Corps became the United States Air Force. His military service ended in 1949.
Following a semester at RIT, Bob moved to Tampa, transferring to the University of Tampa. He graduated on June 4,1954 and married the love of his life, Mary Jo the following morning. He retired from the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office in 1998.
Bob was a wonderful man, known to be quick witted. He’d often be seen with a good cigar and the New York Times crossword puzzle in front of him. An avid reader, Bob frequented the library and later learned to download his books onto his Kindle. He tried to never miss “the Wheel” or Jeopardy. He was an enthusiastic Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan. He also spent many, many Saturdays at Palma Ceia Little League field watching all of his grandsons play at different times of the day. La Terisita was his Friday lunch spot, but the Village Inn Pancake House was his “home away from home”. More than anything, Bob loved his family. He was adored by all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Bob was predeceased by his mother, Joyce, sister, Florene Beaujon and great-grandson, Wicker Robert Vaden. He is survived by his loving wife and caregiver, Mary Jo; son, Brett (Barbara), daughters, Lynn Roberts (Philip) and Kay Gendron (Keith); brothers, Donald Short, Charles (Helen) and Lon (Michiko) Hathaway; grandchildren, Cher Vaden(Nick); Kelly Kornett (Kevin), Tristan Hathaway (Cheri), Rina Galeon, Vanessa Camburn, Daniel Gendron (Amy), Chad Tournade, Cory Gendron (Kaitlin) Ian Hathaway, Aubrey Sartorelli (Cody), Ryan Gendron (Alyssa), and 17 great-grandchildren (number 18 & 19 are coming soon), several nieces and nephews.
At his request, a private memorial was shared by Bob’s immediate family while those from out of town came to say their farewells.
A special thanks to our son-in-law, Keith Gendron who steadfastly dropped everything to selflessly come to Bob’s aide.