Robert George Hatfield

Robert George Hatfield, 69, of Newark and later Wilmington, Delaware passed away on Saturday, February 13, 2021 from complications associated with Inclusion Body Myositis. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey on March 26, 1951, he was the son of the late William H. and Helen L. (Stapf) Hatfield. 

From an early age, Robert was an avid reader of American History and enjoyed attending Revolutionary and Civil War reenactments. Following his graduation from Christiana High School in 1969, Robert enlisted in the US Army during the Vietnam War. Once fulfilling his obligation, he enrolled in the University of Delaware’s Honors Program and earned a bachelor’s degree in History. 

Following college, he returned to military service. While attending the Army’s Presidio of Monterey, California, Robert earned Russian Linguist credentials. As a career member of the United States Army, he worked as a translator in many regions of the world, retiring after serving in Desert Storm. Throughout his career, no matter where he was stationed, Robert always traveled home for the holidays. 

Facing disabling symptoms associated with IBM brought Robert to the care of Wilmington Veterans Hospital’s Community Living Center (CLC). The remarkable staff and residents became friends and extended family. 

In addition to his parents, Robert was predeceased by his sister, Virginia M. Hatfield. Robert is survived by his sisters, Nancy Ryan, Nancy’s husband Jim, and Lois Hatfield; his nephew, Casey (Kristin); his nieces, Erin (Dave), and Julie (Tim); his great nephews, Brently and Cormac; and great niece, Elana. 

Funeral services will be privately held in Mahwah, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Robert may be made to Wounded Warriors or the Wilmington Veterans Affairs Medical Center CLC, 1601 Kirkwood Highway Wilmington, DE 19805. 

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