Obituary of Robert S Hurst

Hurst, Robert S., of Lafayette Hill, PA passed away suddenly on Nov 1, 2023 in his home with his wife and children by his side.

Born in the Germantown section of Philadelphia to Irish immigrant parents from Mayo/Sligo, he was a middle child among 10 children.  Bob was only 8 when he lost his mother.  He spent the remainder of his childhood in boarding schools, until he was able to join the military.

This man of humble beginnings went on to become a highly decorated US Army Airbourne & Special Forces (Green Beret), serving almost 10 years.  After returning back home to Philadelphia, he joined the ranks of the Philadelphia Police and went on to become one of the highest decorated police officers on the force, notably serving in the Stakeout Unit on the famed “granny squad”.  Later, while serving as a Sergeant, he was elected to lead the police union, Philadelphia FOP lodge 5, as President for three terms before retiring from active service.  He continued to serve in law enforcement roles for most of his life after that, until he fully retired about 18 months ago.

Bob was actively involved with family, friends, the parishes and neighborhoods where he lived, and various organizations to which he belonged.  Whether serving as umpire for the little league, to playing softball or volleyball with neighborhood teams, to playing wireball or halfball with the kids on the street, he remained active and in shape.  He was devoted to his parishes of St Cecilia and St Philip Neri, serving as usher or Eucharistic minister.  He also served on boards at the Commodore Barry Club (aka The Irish Center) for the Mayo Association, the Ancient Order of Hibernians Div 80, and the Irish Memorial.

Despite these great achievements, his greatest achievement was his family.  He married his wife Kathleen (Watkins) on Nov 9, 1968, and they would be celebrating their 55th Wedding Anniversary this week.  Bob was predeceased by his parents Patrick and Nora, and eight of his siblings, the most recent of which is the late Edward P Hurst, who passed on Oct 5.  He is survived by his sister Katie (Hurst) Mayer; his four children: Robert (Kathleen), James (Jennifer), Joseph (Alicia), and Mary Beth (Francis McDade); His nieces and nephews: Nora Banzhof (Barry), Carol (Hurst) Roberts, Timothy Banzhof (Donna), and Patrick Hurst (Tara); His grandchildren: Matthew (Bianca), Brigid, Mary Kate McDade, Henry, Francis McDade, Gabriella, Moira, Bernadette McDade, Thomas, Daniel, Sinead, Erin McDade, Samantha, Patrick, Michael, and Robert McDade; His Grand Nieces & Nephews: Charlotte Banzhof, Emily Ryan, Thomas Banzhof, John Banzhof, Erin Roberts, Brian Banzhof, Briar Hurst, and Shane Hurst.

Viewing will be held on Monday 11/6 at Lownes Funeral Home, 659 Germantown Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA from 6-8pm, and again on Tuesday 11/7 at St. Philip Neri Church, 437 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA from 10-11am, with Mass of Christian burial to follow.