Lakeland, FL – Robert D. “Bob” Hare, age 83, passed away at Lakeland Regional Medical Health Center in Lakeland, Florida, on Tuesday, March 28, 2017.
Born in Ellington, New York on January 19, 1934, Bob was a gifted athlete in several sports in High School. He was offered numerous scholarships but chose instead to sign a professional baseball contract with the Cleveland Indians.
Soon after signing his contract the Korean War began and he enlisted in the Army. Mr. Hare worked several years as an Iron worker in Buffalo, and as a Correctional Officer at Green Haven correctional facility in Stormville, New York retiring in 1977. He later moved to Lake Wales, Florida in 1982.
Bob’s greatest feat in life was being a devoted husband and father. A man who always put family first and who will be greatly missed.
Mr. Hare was predeceased by his first wife of 30 years, Jeanne Cochran Hare, in 1983. Parents, Rex and Gladys Hare, Daughter Janine, as well as his brother, Thomas “Big Tom” Hare.
He is survived by his Wife of 32 years, Shirley. Six children from his first marriage. Sandra (James) Reilly, James (Sherry) Hare, Deborah Pressley, Richard (Marlene) Hare, Cheryl Miller, Robert Hare. Numerous grand and great grand children.
Mr. Hare’s wishes were to be cremated with half his ashes interred next to his first wife in St. Denis cemetery in Hopewell Junction, New York. As well as in Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida, where he will have a military service.
