Robert E. Hughlett

Robert “Bob” Emmett Hughlett Sr., 93, died peacefully on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Providence Place in Dover, PA.

He was the husband of the late Patricia Ann Fogler Hughlett, who died in February 6, 2019. They lived for more than 50 years in Shrewsbury Township, with Robert relocating to Providence Place in 2021.

Robert was born Nov. 21, 1931, in Providence, R.I. He was the son of the late Robert E. and Elizabeth Troeger Hughlett. A sister, Alice Traficante of Baltimore, MD, also preceded him in death, as well as a granddaughter.

When Robert was 9 years old he moved to Baltimore with his mother after the death of his father. He joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 19. He served in the Pacific Arena during the Korean War onboard the USS Kermit Roosevelt, a repair ship. He also served in Navy Intelligence, venturing behind enemy lines as a member of the Underwater Demolition Team, also known as “frogmen.”

During his naval deployment, Robert became a Christian and served with the Navigators, an evangelical organization that was founded by Navy sailors in the 1930s.

Robert married Patricia, a native of Baltimore, on Feb. 24, 1952. After he was discharged from military service in 1953, Robert worked as an appliance repairman for Sears & Roebuck. He then used the federal government’s GI Bill to attend college. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in July 1961 from Towson State Teachers College (now Towson University) in Maryland. He earned a Master of Arts degree in August 1969 from Ohio State University.

Throughout his career Robert taught science and Physics courses in junior and senior high schools throughout Baltimore County, and served as Science Department Chair at Overlea High School, Patapsco High School, and Pikesville High School.

Robert was an avid golfer and played courses throughout York County as well as during trips to Ocean City, MD, and Myrtle Beach, S.C. He had been a longtime member of Bon Air Country Club in Glen Rock, PA. In later years he frequented Hickory Heights Golf Course in Spring Grove, PA, where he was a member of its seniors league.

Survivors include a son, R. Emmett Hughlett (Denise) of Duxbury, VT; daughters Judy Hughlett Strausbaugh (Michael Franks) of Atlanta, GA, and Joanne Hughlett Prettyman (Michael Papenberg) of Shallotte, N.C.; nine grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Our family is grateful for Robert’s oldest granddaughter, Michelle Gladfelter, who served as a skilled and loving caregiver to Robert after the death of his wife and during his residence at Providence Place. The family also thanks the staff of Providence Place, both its independent living and memory-care facilities, for the love, safety and community they provided Robert over the past few years; and the caregivers of Grane Hospice Care of York County.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Heffner Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc. is assisting with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Grane Hospice Care, 1010 Plymouth Rd., Suite D, York, PA 17402.