1934
2012
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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 4, 2012
Dr. Hardy was a Shiley Eye Center patient for many years and also was a participant for the Ocular Hypertension Study at the Hamilton Glaucoma Center. We always enjoyed his company when he comes for testing for the Glaucoma research. He was such a nice person and a pleasure to be with. He was a very smart and funny person. We will surely miss him. Tess, Eric, Eunice, Joy, and Alex in behalf of Dr. Robert Wienreb
November 19, 2012
Dena Brock
Dear Hardy Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and my heart is heavy thinking of your loss. When I close my eyes I can hear your Fathers voice and can see his smile. Although he seemed quiet for the most part he most definately was a dedicated Husband Father Grandfather and Great Grandfather, no doubt his pressence will be greatly missed. Love to you all during this time of loss.
Dena (Rowe) and Chuck Brock
November 18, 2012
Audrey Zatarian
Dad's services are at 1pm at Holy Cross Cemetery in the main Mausoleum, St Pontianus Chapel on Monday, November 19, 2012.
November 17, 2012
Geoff Joslyn
Bob was a great mentor and friend during my years with him in the lab. Thirty years later, I still think of him often and appreciate what I learned from him about being a scientist, husband, father and friend.
November 17, 2012
Catalina Aguilar
I am truly sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you, may the love of God enfold you and comfort you.
November 16, 2012
Don Hardy
Just wanted to say how sorry I am to hear Robert Died .. his father and my Grandfather were brothers ... My wife has been on ancestry.com and found our relationship .. and its been interesting catching up with Audrey and Mike on Facebook he will be missed our thoughts and prayers to our extended family
November 16, 2012
Nancy Jones
I'm not even sure where to begin. I don't know where I would be now or how I would have ever survived without ALL of the Hardys. They shared their family completely and unselfishly with me. They taught me many things- the one most important that stands out is love!!! There was always an abundance of love, understanding and plenty of laughter!!! Oh yeah, and fruit flies!!!! Just had to love those fruit flies!!!! One thing that seems to help is knowing he's not gone, he's just away. He's a wonderful man who lived a long happy full life with the blessing of a wonderful family and a long time adopted daughter.
November 16, 2012
joe & mallie odle
Bob was a great neighbor, friend and example. He was great fun and will be greatly missed. Ribbit.
November 16, 2012
Jenni Woodside
My prayers are with your family.
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