Robert Walter Hardy

April 1, 1934 – November 14, 2012

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather passed from this earthly plain embraced by the love of his life early Wednesday morning. Although he was diagnosed and treated for Thyroid Cancer several years ago, it wasn’t until this past September that his health became critical.

Robert spent his youth in Illinois and graduated from St Rita’s High School in Chicago. He joined the United States Navy in 1952 and served for four years. He met Mary Jean Bartlett in San Diego during his time in the Navy and was married at St Patrick’s Catholic Church in 1956. Their union produced a daughter and two sons.

Robert worked at General Dynamics in Kearny Mesa for several years as an electronic technician. During a downturn in the economy in the 1960’s, he decided to attend college. He earned his Bachelor Degree from San Diego State College and proceeded on to the University of California at San Diego where he earned his PhD in Biology in 1974. He completed his post doctoral studies at the University of California at Los Angeles in 1976 and returned to UCSD as a Research Scientist working with Drosophila melanogaster. Robert retired from the University in 2010. During his retirement he enjoyed spending time in the desert with his family.

Robert is survived by his loving wife, Mary Jean; daughter, Audrey (Marc Zatarian), and son, Mike (Jackie). His youngest son, Matthew, preceded him in death in 1978. Robert is also survived by grandchildren Vincent (Stephanie), David (Erika), Brianna (Joshua Sallander), Daniel, Aislinn, Andrew (Lauryn), Aaron and Amy along with great-grandchildren Makayla, Nevaeh, Jaycob, Presley, Cullen, Indie and one not yet born.

We admire Dad for his courage and strength; always hopeful and dedicated to his family. Dad is soaring with the eagles now but remains in our hearts forever.