Robert E. Hammerton

Robert E. Hammerton, 89, of Cambridge passed away on Monday, July 8, 2019 at UMS Medical Center in Dorchester, Maryland. He was born in Staten Island, NY on June 12, 1930 and was a son of the late Alfred and Anna Long Hammerton.

Mr. Hammerton was educated in schools throughout New York City, attending Blessed Sacrament Grammar School, Staten Island, and was a 1948 graduate of De La Salle Institute in Manhattan. He also received a degree from the Borough of Manhattan Community College. In 1951 Robert joined the US Navy serving aboard the USS Marquette (AKA 95) and the USS Fulton (AS 11) as an Electricians Mate.  On May 16, 1953 he married his sweetheart Erna M. Cregan.    He was honorably discharged in 1954. Robert then worked for The Delaware Lackawanna Railroad Marine Division maintaining electrical systems on ferry boats alongside his father Alfred. In 1958 Robert was appointed to the ranks of The New York City Police Department, proudly serving for twenty-one years being assigned to the 10th and 13th Precincts as well as the Communications Division before retiring in 1979. Robert was then employed by Chase Manhattan Bank in the Domestic Asset Protection Section retiring in 1991.

Robert was very active in the Knights of Columbus for many years, serving on numerous committees and as the Financial Secretary of Assumption Council 1694 and was a proud member of the Fourth Degree.  Robert was very active at the Blessed Sacrament Church serving as an usher and lector. As a lector his voice would boom throughout the church making sure even the hardest of hearing could hear. He was a founding member of the Blessed Sacrament Titan League where he served as President and coach to many, including his children. He was also the Titan League Track Commissioner coordinating a yearly track meet with hundreds of participants.  Robert was honored many times over for his selfless acts.

In 1992 Bob and his wife Erna moved to their new home in Cambridge, Maryland to indulge their new hobby, sailing. Here Robert jumped right in to the Eastern Shore life. Bob found time to work with the Skipjack Nathan of Dorchester, beside sailing on his own boat The Mid Life Crisis.  He combined his love of sailing with service and joined the Cambridge Sail and Power Squadron, promoting boating safety in the area. While in the Power Squadron, he served in almost all command positions including Commander. He was also a member of the Cambridge Yacht Club and a longtime volunteer at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. In Cambridge he remained true to his faith becoming an involved member of his parish church, Saint Mary Refuge of Sinners, where he was a communicant, and served as an usher and president of the Christian Formation Council. He was also the manager of the Minette Dick Memorial Hall at Saint Mary’s, where he assisted many area people in having wonderful gatherings of all sizes.

Bob was an avid drummer with a love for Big Bands and Swing. He was also a naturally gifted story teller that could captivate a room. He also enjoyed camping and model railroading. But what he enjoyed most was spending time with his beloved wife Erna and their ever-growing family. Bob and Erna loved organizing the many family reunions over the years with the last one held last year celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary which included 66 family members. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting him.

Bob is survived by his wife of 66 years, Erna Hammerton of Cambridge, two daughters, Theresa Bruno and husband Anthony of Dallas, TX and Patricia Gangemi and husband Joseph of Staten Island, four sons; Robert A. Hammerton and wife Anna of Royal Palm Beach, FL, Thomas D. Hammerton and wife Patricia of Campbell Hall, NY, James J. Hammerton and wife Nanci of Sussex, NJ and Steven V. Hammerton and wife Candice of Lisbon, ME, 17 grandchildren Michael, Stephanie, Melissa, Joseph, Kristine, Andrew, Shawn, Vincent, Christopher, Kenneth, Kaitlyn, Kimberly, Victoria, Juliann, Ryan, Steven and Alexandra, 17 great grandchildren and their 18th arriving this week.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday July 12, 2019 at 11am at Saint Mary Refuge of Sinners in Cambridge with Father Bruce Byrolly officiating. Family will receive friends at Saint Mary Refuge of Sinners Church from 9am to 11am prior to the mass. Arrangements are in the care of the Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge.