To know Bob was to know joy, laughter and to never know when he'd say something outlandish that would catch you off guard. I had the pleasure of meeting him for the first time, 20 something years ago when I came to Maryland for the first time to visit my siter. From the get go, he was hilarious, welcoming and one of those people you just found yourself wanting to be around. His vivacious personality was unlike anyone else I'd ever met, but he also reminded me so much of my own father it was wild.  The first time I stepped into Bob's shop, I was transported to another time and age and it gave me the coziest, warm feelings that I'll never forget.  Just like the loud greetings and warm hugs I got anytime I came to visit.  He was truly one of a kind, unique, wonderful and an amazing father, grandfather and husband.  I'll forever be thankful that I got to know him all of those years ago.  I'll always look back on the times I got to talk to him, when he had me wondering what the barnyard pimp was, or who randy cow was.. And so many other things.  He was one in a million and one of the good ones.

I was walking on Lido Beach with my fiancé the day before I heard the news telling stories about my Uncle Slob. “Heathers Feathers” he would yell coming in the door! Body Slamming me in the sofa. He built me an apartment attached to my Mom’s house and even made the shoe closet to fit my feet. He was the BEST UNCLE EVER! I was bragging about him throwing Thrashers’ French Fries into storefronts on the boardwalk in Ocean City so all the seagulls would flock into crowds of people. The rides to Ocean City in the bed of his truck (when that was legal) He taught me a lot of life lessons and he will always remain dear to my heart. My Mom just rang the bell and defeated cancer-at least I know her little brother will be waiting for her. “ Hey Sis!” I can hear him saying it… He and my Aunt Kay were inseparable and I am so grateful to have had them in my life.  There is so much more that I want to say… I love you Slob!!!

It feels so surreal knowing that my favorite uncle is no longer around. The reality of losing him has been really tough. But I feel so blessed that I could call him family and I’m so grateful for all the memories we shared.
Some great memories were of tagging along with him on his boat. I remember being terrified, yet overjoyed blasting the Zodiak through the inlet over whitecaps. He’d take us tubing and would zig zag over the wake til we went airborne. I always felt so cool as a kid when he’d let me get behind the wheel, and taught me how to dock the boat.
Uncle Bob also taught me everything I know about MD crabs: from setting out traps from his boat in Assawoman Bay using detergent jugs buoys, catching them with chicken necks from the pier, steaming them (with beer of course), and picking them. I could go on and on about memories about the beach house, from family fun to him braving a hurricane alone so he could maintain it after the storm. He never refrained from downplaying the power of Mother Nature.
There are also so many great memories visiting him and the family in Pasadena. As a kid, I always enjoyed playing with the slot machine in the basement, playing pool, or sifting through the CD collection. He was always such a great host and wanted to keep everyone entertained. As a young adult, I loved sitting at his bar having some relaxed conversation over stiff drinks that he’d make. And most recently, I just loved catching up and receiving one of his great hugs when he welcomed me at the door. He was always so proud, and rightfully so, to show us what was growing in the garden or his latest creative craft in woodwork. I always loved receiving his creations as gifts whether it was a clever, Christmas decoration or one of his many imaginative bird houses. I’m so incredibly grateful to have had him for an uncle and I can’t express how much I will miss him. There was no one in the World like him, and I hope he knew how appreciated and loved he was.

One of my favorite memories growing up was "playing bar" at Vicky's house. This always included us trying to win on the slot machine too! I can still perfectly remember the Play house out back that he built her.  Mr. Bob was such an Amazing father!  Countless memories at Ocean City with the family. He treated all of Vicky's friends like his own. He will certainly be missed, but left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

My dad was the definition of a “girl dad” before that was even a thing. The strongest/toughest person I have ever known, but with the biggest heart imaginable. He worked harder and loved harder than anyone in the room. God broke the mold on him, one of a kind, and I am so thankfuk he was my Dad. 

I could brag on him for paragraphs, but they will never do him enough justice. If you knew him, I know you know.

Dad, we are gonna miss you so much, but I promise we will keep making you proud every single day. ❤️

As many others have noted, Mr. Bob was always welcoming. During many many nights, he and Mrs. Kay would put up with our sleepover shenanigans, and he always made everyone feel welcomed and that we weren't a nuisance....even with being slightly wild teenage girls. 

The major impact to my life Mr. Bob made was my love for construction. I saw his dedication,  heard his stories, and admired his work ethic. He could build or fix anything and that really stuck with me.  

I'll always remember the house you could simply walk into and see a beaming smile. A man who would help you whether it was fixing something or giving you words of wisdom. Mr. Bob was always someone you could count on. His legacy is not only in what he left behind, but in what he has left within others and the lives he has impacted. 

With deepest sympathy.

What a great man! Always welcoming and smiling!  My deepest sympathies to all of you. I know he will be missed. I pray all the great memories you have  with him will help you through the difficult days!💕

I had the joy of knowing Mr. Bob since I was about 5 years old, at a time when he affectionately dubbed Vicky and I "The Morons," which he always said with an ear-to-ear smile on his face. Anytime we'd come running into the room, he'd laugh and say "Oh look, it's The Morons!" He made childhood really special and fun. He was truly an example of such a loving father.

I remember him giving Vicky and I a crazy amount of cash as kids, every Friday night before going out to dinner at Tall Oaks, so that we could buy candy or whatever treasures may be at the restaurant's register. One time we bought matching pairs of pink and white beaded earrings, which I may actually still have! We would be SO excited to peruse what was for sale and buy our candy bars each time after dinner. It is such a happy memory for me, to this day as an adult. 

Mr. Bob was not only generous and kind, he was always so welcoming. I always felt welcome when spending time with the family, even on vacations I was invited on. Mr. Bob and Mrs. Kay became another set of parents to me and saw me grow up. I also got to see them become grandparents and shower the next generation with love and affection as well.

I will really miss Mr. Bob, things really won't be the same without him, he really was one-of-a-kind. Dinners with him and his jokes particularly stand out, I mean chicken will never be the same lol. His jokes and famous phrases will always make me smile. Whenever I see horses at Assateague Island, I will remember "Lonely Pony" and laughing on boat rides. I will also remember never to use Grey Goose in a blended drink. Cheers to you, Mr. Bob, love you and will miss you, and will never forget you.

<3 Jess (a.k.a. one of "The Morons")  ; )

I was lucky enough to become friends with Vicky thanks to our love we had for our O's. Her family welcomed me in as one of their own. Mr. Bob always had a smile on his face every time I saw him. He would always ask me when my next trip was and where I was going. 
I will always remember at any party ... he would be behind the tiki bar making drinks for anyone. 

Vicky... I am so sorry. I wish I could take the pain away but know I am here for you every step of the way on this new journey of life.

Mr. Bob was THE man. He’s the man that you’d call for anything. He’s the man that loved his family. He’s the man that almost seemed to never slow down. He told some of the greatest stories, like his first date with Ms. Kay. That one always made me smile. There were countless trips to Gene’s, different job sites, house parties, boat rides (crabbing was incredibly fun). The number one thing I don’t think anyone can forget is the way that man smiled, the sound of his laugh would echo through your heart. He truly was one of the greatest men I ever had the pleasure of knowing. Memories will have to suffice, but until we meet again, rest easily in peace.

I don’t think I ever saw Bob without a smile on his face. He was a very kind man and was always quick with a quip. He suffered a lot and will be greatly missed.

OBITUARY

Robert Wayne Hobson

February 7, 1950 – October 25, 2025

Sterling-Ashton-Schwab-Witzke Funeral Home of Catonsville, Inc.

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services