Robert “Bob” Hannah lived an extraordinary life guided by his vast intellect, insatiable curiosity, humor, love of travel, and his unwavering faith in God. He was a world-renowned scientist, a world traveler, and a sharp-eyed bird watcher. Yet of all Bob’s many notable achievements, he’d be the first to tell you that his greatest achievement of all was marrying the love of his life, Barbara May Richter, and being a loving father to the couples’ six children, Matt, Becky, John, Stephen, Clare, and Rick. He adored his grandchildren as well, and was quick to share his bright smile, his sharp sense of humor, and all his amazing stories with them. There was seldom a dull moment when Grandpa Bob was around.
Born on May 10, 1931 in Youngstown, NY to his late parents, John and Alice Hannah, Bob was the oldest of the couple's three children. In 1949 Bob attended Niagara University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, then headed off to Purdue University where he earned a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry. It was while attending Purdue that Bob met the love of his life, Barbara May Richter. The couple got married in 1957 and moved to Pittsburg, PA, where Bob joined Alcoa Research as manager of the infrared laboratory. In 1962, the couple moved to Newtown, CT, where Bob joined the Perkin-Elmer Corporation. While there, Bob honed his specialty in infrared spectroscopy, lecturing around the world, authoring over 100 Perkin-Elmer publications, and becoming the Director of Research for the Instrument Group, with laboratories in Connecticut, England, and Germany. Bob’s other professional accolades include being a representative for 13 years on the Industrial Advisory Board for the Center for Process Analytical Chemistry at the University of Washington, and served as chair for one year. Bob is an Honorary member of the Coblentz Society, where he served as secretary for 20 years. Bob received the Williams-Wright Award, presented to an industrial chemist who has made a significant contribution to vibrational spectroscopy. He was an active consultant, lecturer, and has taught at the Bowdoin Infrared Course ever since 1963 until the summer of 2020 when it was cancelled due to the pandemic. After spending many wonderful years in Newtown, CT, and summers on Frye Island, ME, Bob and Barbara moved to Naples, FL upon Bob’s retirement in 1992, where the couple split their time between Florida and Maine. Bob was an active member of the Frye Island community as well as serving as a nature guide at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Florida.
Bob is preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Barbara, and Bob’s second wife of 5 years, Jeannie Landi, and his sister, Mary Joan Hannah.
Bob is survived by his brother, Arthur Hannah and sister-in-law Judy, son, Matthew Hannah and daughter-in-law Monica, daughter Rebecca Specht and son-in-law Scott Specht, son, John Hannah and daughter-in-law Darci, son, Stephen Hannah, daughter Claire Krabill and son-in-law Merrill Krabill, son Robert (Rick) Hannah and daughter-in-law Meredith as well as grandchildren, Zachery Hannah, Christopher Hannah, Andrew Hannah, Alexander Hannah, Mishel Hannah, Alicia Lamere, Jackie Specht, Alexandra Specht, James Hannah, Daniel Hannah, Matthew Hannah, Sophie Pak-Hannah, Cassie Sessa, Christi Sessa, Bobby Sessa, Chloe Hannah, and Robby Hannah. He is also survived by his dear friend and companion, Judy Betsworth.
A service with mass will be held for Bob Hannah on Monday, January 25th at 1 p.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Naples, Florida.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that all donations be made in memory of Robert Hannah to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary or the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.
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