Robert Russell Hargreaves

Robert R. Hargreaves, 90, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away in Niceville, Florida on June 7, 2025.

Bob was born on May 2, 1935 in New York City to Margaret E. (Smith) and Russel R. Hargreaves, the eldest of three children. He grew up in Forest Hills, New York attending Forest Hills High School. He began his long and illustrious career in the United States Air Force just shy of his 18th birthday in 1953. His passion for aircraft maintenance and his exceptional work ethic guided him throughout his career, where he spent decades generating airpower around the world for the U.S. Air Force and followed by General Electric Aircraft Engines until 2006.

Bob’s journey in the Air Force saw him rise through the ranks, from apprentice aircraft mechanic to crew chief, shift supervisor, NCOIC of the engine section, Senior Maintenance Superintendent, and ultimately Senior Enlisted Advisor. His assignments took him around the globe from New York to Texas, Maine, Nebraska, North Dakota, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, California, Germany, Indiana, and the United Kingdom.

Throughout his career, Bob earned numerous accolades, including Meritorious Service Medals, Expeditionary Medals, Commendation Medals, The Vietnam Service Medal, and various wing awards. His commitment and leadership led to his promotion to Chief Master Sargent at the age of 37, an extraordinary achievement in itself.

His professionalism and dedication were so valued that Lt. General Robert Herres personally signed a Recommendation for Extended High Year of Tenure, allowing Bob to remain on active duty three years past the typical 30 year mark, retiring in 1986. A humble man, you will not find CMSgt Hargreaves’ career accomplishments readily available online, as he lived his life with great humility, privacy, and professionalism.

During his employment with General Electric Aircraft Engines as Senior Field Service Rep, Bob and his wife Sharon lived in various locations, settling in Carmel, Maine. They began wintering in Niceville, Florida in 2006. Together they became members of Christ Our Redeemer Catholic Church where they made many close friends and volunteered countless hours of service to their church and community. Bob was an active member of Knights of Columbus Council 13527. In 2013, Bob and Sharon made Blue Water Bay their permanent home, living life to the fullest traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Bob is survived by his three children: daughter JoAnna and her husband Brad McNally of Brewer, Maine; sons Terrance of Santa Barbara, California and Timothy and his wife Julie of Austin, Texas; a special daughter-in-law Kelly Hargreaves of Goleta, California; step-daughters: Pamela Swafford and Beverly Baum of Niceville, Florida; ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, a large extended family, and many friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife Sharon in December 2023; sister Patricia Marko of Bainbridge Island, Washington; brother Gerald Hargreaves, and his parents, all of Santa Barbara, California.

We would like to extend a special thanks to Pam, who lived with and cared for our Dad after her mother’s passing, allowing him to remain in the home they so dearly loved.

Visiting hours will be Friday, June 27, 2025 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home in Niceville. Memorials may be placed and viewed at HeritageGardensFuneralHome.com

Funeral Service will be Monday June 30, 2025 at 9:00am at Christ Our Redeemer Catholic Church in Niceville, followed by a committal service with military honors at 1:00pm at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola Naval Air Station.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Christ Our Redeemer Catholic Church. You can donate by going to https://corcatholic.org/ and selecting "Online Donations" from the home screen.

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