Robert Richard Hardy, retired mechanic

Robert Richard Hardy, 70, of Greenwood, formerly of Frankford, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Monday, July 29, 2019, at his home.

Robert was born in Chester, Pa., July 1, 1949, son of the late John Hardy, mother Pearl Hardy McGowan and stepfather Walter McGowan. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as a helicopter mechanic.

He loved working on automotive equipment as he continued his career as a mechanic working for Townsend’s, Suburban Propane and finally Penske Trucking before being diagnosed with Ischemic Heart Disease in 2011, caused from Agent Orange from his service in Vietnam. 

Robert’s family worked hard together to keep him at home throughout his many strokes and seizures.  

He will be forever remembered for his love of his grandchildren, fur babies and gardening.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Deborah (Cook) Hardy; three stepchildren, Lisa Prentice and her husband Thomas of Seaford, Iris Einolf and her husband Gene of Dagsboro, and Royce Purcell II and his wife Kiley of Houston; and a son, Joseph Hardy and his wife Katrina of South Carolina. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Thomas Prentice II, Matthew Ludwig, Ashley Woolford and her husband Corey, Tyler Ludwig, Kayla Kriner and Royce Purcell III; four great-grandchildren, Serenity, C.J., Braelynn and Jay Jr; his two favorite aunts Florence and Tootsie of Pennsylvania; best friend Harry Howard of Edison, Tenn.; and all his other family and friends plus his fur babies.

A committal service with military honors will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, Aug. 9, at the Delaware Veterans Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Robert’s name to Brandywine Valley SPCA by visiting www.bvspca.org.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com