Robert Hawthorne

Robert "Bob" was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on March 8, 1943, to Althea Helen Magill and Ronald Frank Hawthorne, both of whom preceded him in death. Bob grew up in Braddock Hills, a suburb of Pittsburgh, where he graduated from Scott High School in 1961 and then attended Thiel College. 

Bob was married to the love of his life, Debbie Courtney, and was celebrating 50 years of marriage this year. He loved to tell the story of how they met and has always cherished his wife and family. Together, they had 2 children, Robert Jr. (Jackie) and Courtney.

He is survived by his wife, 5 children, 15 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, 2 siblings, and nieces and nephews. Bob had 2 previous marriages (Dana Hubbell and Susan "Sue" Melrose) and was preceded in death by his eldest son, Ronald "Ronnie" Hawthorne, from his marriage to Dana. He is survived by his three other children: Randle "Rand" (Nancy) Eastwood, Christy (Aaron) Jeffries, and BrieAnn "Brie" Eastwood from his marriage to Sue. He is also survived by his brother, Richard "Rick" (Patricia) Hawthorne, and his sister, Linda Hawk. It gave Bob immense joy to know all his children in their adult years and to have his family by his side during his last days. 

Bob was the sort of man that liked to have a purpose–he liked to keep moving. He loved to drive. He drove cross country so many times, he probably lost count. He logged hours and hours on the road. Every song about the highway will forever remind his loved ones of his favorite pastime. 

His sales career kept him on the road or at least driving to appointments. He was one of the best and worked with Zig Ziglar in his early days. He started out selling encyclopedias and went on to a host of other sales opportunities that provided him a solid foundation in business development. Later, he spent the next several decades developing and marketing a rare specimen of rock originally found in Moab, Utah.  

He quietly helped countless individuals with health supplements, meaningful conversation, and support to those he met along the way. He was a champion for the underdog–he helped those that others left behind.

He wasn’t afraid to question anything. He questioned rules, basic scientific principles, religious teachings on scriptures and doctrine; he questioned everything and he had an incredible mind and memory. Someone who knew him well said he has a mind like a steel trap–he could remember names, phone numbers, complex scientific explanations about geology, the universe, and matter, and could mentally access nearly anything he ever read. He pursued truth relentlessly. He loved to discuss particular scriptures with anyone who would give ear. He chose the path of truth regardless of the consequences.

During the last couple years, Bob would often reflect on his life and share his gratitude for his family and all that he achieved. One of the last things he said was that he was happy with every minute of his life. 

Friends and family will be received for a memorial service on March 24, 2024 from 1-3 pm at the family’s home.