Robert H Hodge

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on July 24, 1918, Robert was raised in Sewickley and graduated high school there in 1935. As a young man, he held a number of odd jobs, one of which would leave a lasting mark: at 14, he became a chauffeur for a local businessman whose family had season tickets to the opera. While waiting in the back of the theater, Robert developed a lifelong love for the art form—despite never seeing an entire performance until his twenties.

Robert served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as an electrician, crediting his military experience for shaping his career in engineering. He remained in the Naval Reserve from 1953 to 1978, serving during both the Korean War and the Cuban Missile Crisis. He worked for Sperry Gyroscope before joining Grumman Aerospace, where he had the extraordinary opportunity to contribute to the Apollo Lunar Module program that enabled the first moon landing. He and his wife Evelyn eventually settled in Riverhead, Long Island.

Later in life, Robert met Lillian Baldissard at Grumman, during a time when both had experienced the loss of their spouses. Their friendship blossomed into a loving partnership that spanned over 30 years. Together, they built a life filled with travel, golf, opera, and adventure—including flying in Robert’s own four-seater plane. He introduced Lil to his passions, and she welcomed him into her wide and warm extended family, from Texas to Maine, New York to Florida. They were a fixture at the New York City Opera, where they held season tickets for many years, always eager to dress up and enjoy performances together. Their relationship was a true partnership—he expanded her world, and she enriched his.

Deeply committed to service, Robert gave back in many ways. He served for years on the Riverhead Town Planning Board, volunteered with disadvantaged youth and local hospitals in both New York and Florida, and supported causes close to his heart, including the Southern Poverty Law Center, the United Negro College Fund, and the Tuskegee Airmen.

After Lil’s passing, Robert moved to Orlando full time, where he continued his active lifestyle. He celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by friends and family, and remained engaged, curious, and vibrant well beyond that milestone.

Robert Hodge lived with grace, generosity, and integrity. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many lives he touched. His was truly a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert’s memory to any of the organizations he supported, or to a charity of your choice that carries his spirit of service forward.