Robert HACKWORTH Obituary

HACKWORTH, Robert D. 91, of Dunedin, died peacefully Sept. 22, 2023. Born in Denver, CO, he was a beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather and is survived by his children, Bob (Gwynne), Karen (Peter), John (Tricia) and Kristi; grandchildren, Shelby, Morgan, Maddie, Keaton, Jackson, Lanie, Bobby and Larsen; and great-grandchildren, Joseph, Gunner and Lennox. He graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder and earned his doctorate degree from Nova University after moving with his family to Florida to work as a math professor at St. Petersburg College. Bob was a community activist advocating for affordable housing, civil rights, equality and the environment and was an inspiring educator, author and publisher, avid tennis player and dear friend to many. In his last years he initiated the fight for the preservation of green space that resulted in a 100-plus acre public nature preserve. He will be remembered above all for his generosity and loving kindness. A celebration of life will be held in the near future.

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Published by Tampa Bay Times from Oct. 1 to Oct. 3, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert HACKWORTH

11 Entries

Richard W. Hayes

April 2, 2024

Mr. Hackworth was my algebra teacher at St. Petersburg College in the '80s. I eventually passed his courses. His passion for mathematics and teaching young people helped shape my attitude and career path. I think of him often. His family should know and be proud that he helped thousands of people through his books and important career in education.

Julie W. Webster

January 4, 2024

I first met Mr. Hackworth at the opening of the Douglas preserve. Two years later, while walking our dog in the Dunedin Cemetery, which we do at least 3 times a week, I ran into him sitting in his golf cart by the back gate between the cemetery and his property - he said he found this spot peaceful. He was a kind gentleman who was welcoming in conversation and like myself, an educator. It was obvious how much he loved the solitude of the property and sharing stories about the history of the preserve, time with his wife Gladys and Dunedin. Whenever I saw him, he had another piece of historical information to share. At one point he offered to take my husband and me out on the lake for a row, which he knew every square inch of. His dog Ridge was often at attention seated in the golf cart next to him or running close by with his pal Tucker.
I last spoke with Mr. Hackworth shortly before his passing. Realizing that I had not seen him in quite a while I only recently found that he had passed.
It was a privilege and an honor to have met him, to hear about his life, thoughts about education and love of the preserve and nature. He has been missed.
-Julie W. Webster

Curtis

October 18, 2023

Bob was a great friend for almost 40 years. He was kind, generous, thoughtful, a crusader for open space and the good, a brilliant mathematician and teacher, a mentor to many (including me), an innovative publisher, author, tennis player into his 90s, and much more. We visited some and talked very frequently. During our last few conversations he was trying to understand the 9th dimension. He assured me that the first 8 were already known, but most of them through mathematics, which was beyond me. I hope he can continue his search wherever he is now. I miss you greatly, Bob. Curtis miles

Terry Fortner

October 8, 2023

Bob Hackworth will be forever admired in my memory. I am glad he wrote an autobiographical memoir for his children and grandchildren. I know he will be missed by many. He was a good man: trustworthy, loyal, hardworking and kind.

William Keller

October 6, 2023

A friend, a colleague, and a very enthusiastic educator. I worked with Bob for many years at St Petersburg College. My condolences to his family.

June White

October 4, 2023

Robert Hackworth was a colleague of mine and I have very fond memories of working with him at St Petersburg College. Bob was a gifted educator and a man who cared about the success of his students. He was a friend and someone who had a great attitude about learning. It was a pleasure for me me to have known and worked with Bob Hackworth!

Katherine Woods

October 3, 2023

Dr. Hackworth was a patient of mine in the dental office I worked in back in the mid-80s. I told him I wanted to go back to school but was afraid of taking the math courses I needed to get into the MPH program at USF. He encouraged me to take a course he taught, a math course only for females, to show women that we could succeed in math. It was life changing. He gave the students the ability to believe in themselves and I have often thought of his impact on my academic career.

I now wish I had let him know how much his encouragement meant to me all those years ago.

Katherine Woods, MPH, PhD

JKH

October 2, 2023

My deepest sympathy to the Hackworth Family for the loss of your loved one, Robert, and pray God gives you comfort, peace and strength during this difficult time. 2nd Thessalonians 2:16-17.

Curtis and Barbara

Planted Trees

curtis

October 1, 2023

Bob was one of my dear friends for about 40 years. He was (and is) an inspiration to me, and to so many others. A really gifted mathematician, he began and led H&H Publishing for so many years, and accomplished so much more. I'll miss him greatly.

JAMES E GOODLOE

October 1, 2023

Mr. Hackworth was an excellent educator and help me start my college career after leaving the US Navy. Thank you for your service Sir.

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