Robert Harrie Hillsgrove

He was born in Pittsfield, New Hampshire on September 11, 1934, to Robert Henry and Harriett Maxfield Hillsgrove.

Robert (Bob) grew up in Pittsfield, New Hampshire and graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1952. He also attended Staunton Military Academy in Virginia. Following a year at Tufts University, Bob enlisted in the US Marine Corp in 1954, eventually becoming a Naval Aviator and served in both active duty and reserves, including being stationed in Japan. While serving, he met and married Alice Mae Moore of Lynchburg, VA. Following his military service, Bob and Alice returned to Lynchburg, where he completed his bachelor’s degree from Lynchburg College.

The young family moved to Corning, NY to join Corning Glass Ware. Bob moved to Cary in 1966 to begin a role with IBM as a Quality Engineer. He spent the balance of his career with IBM until he retired, working in the Research Triangle Park.

Throughout the years of his children growing up, the family went camping in the summers at Kerr Lake almost every weekend. There was a pattern for everyone to get everything set up in camp before launching the boat and jumping in the lake. In addition, visits to Virginia and New Hampshire were common during holidays and summer vacations.

Bob enjoyed playing golf well into his 70’s, including time as a member of Devil’s Ridge Golf Club in Holly Springs. He frequently went there to hit balls on the range, eat lunch, and share time with other members. He supported the golf marathon sponsored by the Cary YMCA as a hole sponsor on a couple of occasions.

He was preceded in death by his wife Alice Mae Moore Hillsgrove in 2024. In addition, he was preceded in death by his mother Harriett Maxfield Hillsgrove of Pittsfield, New Hampshire and his father Robert Henry Hillsgrove, who had relocated to Cary.

He is survived by his children Mark Hillsgrove (Donna) of Chapel Hill, Steven Hillsgrove (Diane) of Cary, David Hillsgrove (Becky) of Mooresville, and Robin M. Ramger of Apex, NC. He dearly loved his grandchildren Ryan, Macie, and Hayes Hillsgrove (Steven), Ben and Jay Ramger (Robin), Kelley Habbal and Jonathan Hillsgrove (David), and Anastasia Hillsgrove (Mark). Also his great-grandchildren Atlas and Ari Hillsgrove (Ryan), and the newest arrival Archie Habbal (Kelley). We were all blessed to be together recently at Thanksgiving.

The family will have a visitation from 12:00 – 2:00 PM on January 11, 2026, at Brown Wynne Funeral Home in Cary, NC.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to the Taylor Family YMCA of Cary or the charity of your choice.