Robert Thomas Hankinson, Sr., age 82, passed away on Friday, April 23, 2021 after a heroic fight against Leukemia. Bob married on September 24, 1960, and was the beloved husband of 53 years to the late Jean Musselman Hankinson.
He was born the son of Horace Frederick Hankinson and Effie Reid Hankinson on July 9, 1938; and was a long-time resident of Philadelphia, PA. He is survived by his brother, Horace F. Hankinson, Jr, his son Robert Thomas Hankinson Jr. (wife Patty), daughter Jean Hankinson Wolfinger (husband Scott J. Wolfinger).
He was the grandfather of six grandchildren: Kristen, Scott, Sara, Becky, Rachael, and Bob; and great grandfather of three great grandchildren: Hunter, BellaMarie, and Nathan.
He graduated in June of 1956 from Mastbaum High School with specialized training in Industrial Electricity. As a young man he was given the nickname, “Hank” and his hobbies at the time included working on hot rods and aspiring, in the future, to join the Navy.
He served in the United States Navy where he earned a Bachelor’s degree and served as Master Electrician on the USS “Hummingbird 192”. He was honorably discharged from his service commitment in June of 1959. Bob was an accomplished, certified scuba diver.
He later went on to become a member of Local Union #5 of the International Union of Elevator Constructors and had over 38 years of service working for Otis Elevator Company as an elevator modernization/repair mechanic. Bob also trained over 22 men throughout his career, including his son-in-law, Scott. After retirement he enjoyed serving as treasurer to the Golden Rail club for his union. And was actively involved in planning trips and activities for his fellow retired union members.
Bob was a generous man who believed and supported local charities including the disabled veterans. Bob was also a man of un-wavering strength and boundless energy who enjoyed helping others whenever he could. Even up to the last months of his life he was able to continue to cut down trees and mow his lawn. His hobbies included skiing, nature walks, woodworking where he would build one-of-a kind frames and furniture for family, travel, fishing, hunting, and tending to his vegetable garden. He always enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life and swapping stories with them. But he was happiest sharing moments with family and friends.
A memorial service will pay tribute to him on Saturday, May 8th, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Somerton United Methodist Church Sanctuary, 13073 Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19116.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to Paralyzed Veterans of America, Shriners Hospital for Children or Lift for a Vet.
