Robert K. Hackman

Robert K. Hackman of Chestertown, MD, formerly of North Plainfield, NJ, died on July 20, 2009 at Heron Point in Chestertown. Bob Hackman, son of William H. and Mamie Rose Hackman was born February 21, 1923 in Womelsdorf, PA. He graduated from Womelsdorf High School and attended East Stroudsburg State Teachers College, in East Stroudsburg, PA where he studied history and lettered in football and wrestling. For spending money, he often boxed semi-professionally on weekends, with some success, often appearing at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Enlisting on the United States Marine Corps in 1942, Bob later earned an officer’s commission in the 4th Marine Infantry Division in the Pacific Theater. He saw combat action at Saipan, Gaum, and at Iwo Jima and also served as part of the post-war occupation of China. In 1945, Bob married his wife, Bette Reppert of Shoemakersville, PA, and after completing his degree at East Stroudsburg, he accepted a position as a history teacher at Collegeville-Trappe High School in Trappe, PA. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Bob served as Head Coach of the school’s football, basketball and baseball teams. While he was a loved and respected educator and leader of young men on the athletic field, he was most gratified by the lifelong relationships he maintained with many of his former students. As a Marine Corps Reservist, Bob was recalled to active duty in 1950 for service in the Korean War. Awarded a Bronze star for his role in the Inchon landings, he also became one of the so-called “Chosin Few”, participating with the 1st Marine Division in the brutal campaign at the Chosin Reservior in November and December of 1950. Bob rose to the rank of Major before his discharge. Returning from Asia in 1951, Bob resumed his duties at Collegeville-Trappe H.S. before accepting a position in 1955 as head of sales with Hatco Chemical Company (later to become W.R. Grace) of Fords, NJ. He retired in 1990 and moved to Heron Point in 2003. In addition to being a talented artist and woodworker, bob was a gifted dancer and an active and enthusiastic sportsman. A particularly avid squash player and golfer, he was a founding member of the Fiddler’s Elbow Golf Club in Far Hills, NJ. A tough, strong, sweet and fine man possessing both a ever present twinkle in his eye and a rascal’s wit, Bob Hackman was a loyal friend to many and a hero to his loved ones. He was a towering, seemingly indestructible force of nature to his grandchildren. Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bette, Bob is survived by his daughter, Katharine Levengood, and son-in-law, Chip, as well as two grandsons, Paul and Robert, and three great-grandchildren. Services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Tulpehocken Settlement Historical Society, 116 North Front St., Womelsdorf, PA 19567 or to the Moore-Tobey Scholarship Fund of Heron Point (Please make checks payable to Heron Point), 501 E. Campus Ave, Chestertown, MD 21620. Arrangements by Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, 130 Speer Rd. Chestertown, MD 21620. www.fhnfuneralhome.com

Robert K. Hackman

February 21, 1923 - July 20, 2009