Robert Edward Dignan

Robert Edward Dignan of 1215 Stone Creek Drive, formerly of Hagerstown, Md., died Monday (June 27, 2011) in Blessing Hospital.

Robert was born April 25, 1929, in Cumberland, Md., a son of Gilbert Robert and Virginia Madelin Cosgrove Dignan. He is survived by his wife, Electia Jane Twigg, whom he married April 25, 1955.

Prior to his career as a teacher, Robert served in the U.S. Army, earning the rank of 1st lieutenant. After military service, he earned a bachelor degree from Frostburg University in Frostburg, Md., and a master's in education from the University of Maryland. He then worked toward his doctorate at the University of Maryland.

His first assignment as principal was at Hancock High School in Hancock, Md. He was promoted to Springfield Middle School, from where he retired. He served as president of the Maryland Principals' Association and as president of the Lion's Club.

Robert was a devout Catholic and served as an altar boy at St. Patrick's Church in Cumberland, Md.

Hunting and fishing were his passion. He also enjoyed parachuting and hang gliding and had a private pilot's license. There was a great dedication to reading; and he and his wife traveled, which took him to all parts of the world.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Family was the source of his life.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Dawn Mayton and her husband, Darryl; three grandchildren, Jennifer Miller and her husband, Chad, Kristen Winking and her husband, Neil, and Darryl "Eddie" Mayton, all of Quincy; a great-granddaughter, Jennica Miller of Quincy; two brothers, Walter Kaiser and his wife, Jane, and Donald Kaiser of Springfield, W.V.; and a sister, Virginia Coats and her husband, Lowell, of Adamstown, Md. Several nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Thomas James Dignan and Paul Herman Dignan of Cumberland, Md.; and a stepfather, "Dutch" Kaiser, of Springfield, W.V.

SERVICES: Private Mass will be held in St. Anthony's Church.

VISITATION: There will be no visitation.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers to the American Heart Association.

ARRANGEMENTS: Duker and Haugh Funeral Home.

WEBSITE: www.dukerandhaugh.com.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.whig.com.