Robert Hargabus Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc. - Middletown on Nov. 18, 2025.
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Robert "Bob" Hargabus, a cherished father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away on November 17, 2025, at the age of 82, at home in Conway, South Carolina. Born on March 2, 1943, in Manville, New Jersey To Anna (Streczyk ) and Matthew Hargabus. Bob loved to laugh and share a joke with his friends.
Bob grew up in a close-knit community and graduated from Warwick Valley High School, where he formed lifelong friendships and a foundation of strong values. His sense of duty led him to serve his country in the United States Air Force. The experience instilled in him a deep sense of patriotism and pride. After his military service, Bob's charismatic personality and leadership skills flourished in his professional life. He rose to become the Vice President of Sales at A. Zerega & Sons, where his colleagues respected him for his gift of gab and his drive to make the deal.
An entrepreneur at heart, Bob later became the proud owner of Middletown Army Navy, White Tail Archery, and Warwick Monogram. His business endeavors were not just a livelihood but a way to connect with his community.
Bob lived his beliefs through his actions, always ready to lift people who needed help. Bob often gave support to Middletown's most needy, building meaningful relationships that he learned from and valued enormously.
An avid outdoorsman, Bob's love for the great outdoors was evident in his enthusiasm for hunting and fishing. His adventures often became the source of captivating stories that he would share with a gleam in his eye, including his hunting trip to Russia after the wall came down, chronicled daily by the Times Herald Record. Bob's zest for life extended to his enjoyment of craft shows, auctions, seasonal fairs, and boating on Greenwood Lake with his family. He cherished the simple pleasure of people-watching and could often be found at concerts surrounded by loved ones. He was an expert at practical joking and gags and relished the reveal. His laugh overcame all sounds at the many gatherings he and Joann hosted. Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife and best friend, Joann. his parents, his siblings, Adele, Albert, Matthew and Kevin. Bob's legacy is lovingly carried on by his devoted daughters, Christine Hargabus and her husband Richard Schoonmaker, Donna Dzinski and her husband Bruce, Heidi Vanderslice and her husband John, and Susan Wood and her husband Brian. His grandchildren, Lauren, Kristy, Sarah, Christopher, Chelsey, Conner, Jenna, Robert, Adam, and Benjamin, will forever hold onto the lessons and laughter he imparted. The twinkle in Bob's eye will shine on through his great-grandchildren, Brooke, and Caris, who brought him immeasurable joy. Bob will be missed by his "chosen" family members, Paula Reichelt and Floyd Storms as well as his many beloved nieces and nephews.
His presence was a comfort, his humor a gift, and his generosity knew no bounds. Bob Hargabus lived a life full of purpose and joy, and his memory will continue to inspire and guide his family and friends. Rest in peace, dear Hargy, until we meet again.
A Visitation will be held at the Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home on Thursday, November 20. from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A Funeral service will be offered at the funeral home at 11:30AM officiated by Fr Paul Richmond of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Middletown, NY. Interment at Warwick Cemetery will follow.
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