Robert Hufstader was born to Robert Duane Hufstader, Sr. and Rosemary Nusom Hufstader DeVito in Clatskanie, Oregon on October 25, 1944. He enlisted in the Navy in 1962 and advanced to the rate of Hospital Corpsman Second Class, while he served in San Diego and in Japan during the early years of the Vietnam conflict. In 1970 he graduated cum laude from University of California, Irvine with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences. He then attended the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine and graduated as a Doctor of Medicine in 1974. He also earned a Master of Medical Management from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA.
After a rotating internship at Naval Hospital, San Diego, CA, he served as Medical Officer aboard the USS Chicago and then completed Family Practice residency at Naval Hospital, Jacksonville, FL. Subsequent assignments included Naval Medical Clinic, Annapolis, MD; Naval Hospital, Memphis TN; Medical Officer, Command Fleet Activities, Chinhae, Korea; Senior Medical Officer, USS New Jersey; Executive Officer, US Naval Hospital, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Special Assistant to the Surgeon General, Medical Corps, Washington, DC; Executive Officer, Naval Hospital, Pensacola FL; Commanding Officer, US Naval Hospital, Keflavik, Iceland; Deputy Chief, Medical Corps, Washington, DC; Commanding Officer, Naval Hospital, Pensacola, FL; Medical Officer of the Marine Corps, Washington, D.C.; and Command Surgeon, US Pacific Command, Honolulu, HI. He retired in 2006 as a Rear Admiral. Throughout his retirement he enjoyed sailing, reading, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
During his career he earned several medals and awards including Legion of Merit with one Gold Star, Meritorious Service Medal with one Gold Star, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal with two Bronze Stars. Despite these accomplishments, he would say that his greatest achievement was marrying Rusty on December 18th, 1974.
Bob will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 47 years, Marilyn “Rusty” Hufstader; three daughters Meghan Gabriel (Augustine), Darcy Smith (Craig), and Emily Hufstader (Adam Barfield); brother Richard Hufstader; sister Jane Holiday; seven grandchildren Rosemary and Ruth Gabriel; Ellis, Rae, and Robbie Smith; and Dylan and Kalena Barfield; nephews; cousins; and a caring extended family.
Until we meet once more. Here's wishing you a happy voyage home. Fair winds and following seas.
Graveside services will be held 1:30 PM, Friday, June 24, 2022 in LANE 3 at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL.
Arrangements by HARDAGE-GIDDENS HOLLY HILL FUNERAL HOME, 3601 Old Jennings Rd, Middleburg, FL. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hollyhillfunerals.com.
