Robert Norman Glackin

Robert N. Glackin, a pioneering software engineer, proud Navy veteran, and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026. Known for his sharp mind and steadfast values, Robert’s life was guided above all else by three core anchors: Family, Faith, and God.

Growing up with an exceptional aptitude for technical learning, Robert attended Baltimore Polytechnic Institute (“Poly”). Eager to serve his country, he had his parents sign him out early so he could enlist in the United States Navy. From 1945 to 1949, he served aboard Adirondack and the light aircraft carrier, USS Saipan, as part of the Admiral’s staff, earning his GED while attending Electronic Technician training and pioneer early UHF radio transmission technology.

Following his honorable discharge, Robert earned his Bachelor’s degree and embarked on a distinguished 40-year career in the Audiology Department at Johns Hopkins. A true innovator, he was instrumental in designing and engineering early Cochlear Implant device technology that transformed the lives of countless hearing impaired individuals. His skills also extended into successful entrepreneurship, where he owned and operated Bruce Service Co. and Audiologic Software.

His faith was the cornerstone of his daily life. Robert was one of the founding members of Faith Lutheran Church in Cockeysville, where he faithfully taught Sunday school and served as Chairman of the building committee during the construction of the church sanctuary.

Despite a busy career and frequent travel, family was always Robert’s highest priority. He famously blended work with family adventures, loading up the family station wagon with a heavy canvas tent, a homemade kitchen set built into the back, and heading out on camping trips alongside his business travels. Countless cherished memories were made around campfires after a day's work, often with a cold Natural Light in hand.

Robert was married to his beloved Katherine and was married for 72 wonderful years prior to her passing. Following his retirement from Johns Hopkins, the two spent their golden years traveling extensively across many states and countries together.

He will be remembered by all who knew him for his brilliant mind, his dedicated service, and his unwavering devotion to his family, his church, and his God. Robert was the loving husband of the late Katherine Ann Glackin; devoted father of Deborah A. Hihn and her husband Charles Hihn and the late Robert B. Glackin; Cherished grandfather of Jason S. Hihn, Christina Ann Ziegler and her husband David and adoring great grandfather of Grace Ann Ziegler.

The family will receive friends in the Lemmon Funeral Home of Dulaney Valley, Inc., 10 W. Padonia Road (at York Road) Timonium, Maryland 21093 on Monday, August 17, 2026 from 10 to 11 at which time Robert’s life will be celebrated at 11 AM.

Interment Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens.