Robert E. Hawkes

Robert E Hawkes passed away January 19th, 2026 after a long battle with cancer at home with family by his side.

Robert was born to Robert A and the deceased Patricia A (nee Bodendorf) Hawkes on May 22, 1952 in Westfield, MA.

During his high school years Rob played trumpet and was one of top wrestlers before graduating from C.W Baker High School in Baldwinsville, NY in 1970.

Shortly after high school Rob joined the US Navy and served active from 1972 to 1976, and inactive from 1976-1978. He was stationed at Kent County Hospital in Warwick RI. With his honorable discharge from the Navy, Rob moved to Ithaca, NY in 1979 to start working at Cornell University, eventually becoming a purchaser at the CU College of Veterinary Medicine, from which he retired from in 2009.

Rob not only carried an honorable discharge from the US Navy, but he also has an honorable discharge from the US Army for his US Army Reserve service from 1979-1981.

Rob enjoyed his gardening, birding, fishing, music and antique gun collecting. He enjoyed more than anything watching his grandchild Maxx grow up.

Robert is survived by his father Robert A Hawkes, his daughter Kelly (Cliff) Charlebois, a son Brian (Meghan) Hawkes, Brothers Dave (Brenda) Hawkes, Frank (Ellen) Hawkes, a sister Carol (Tom) St Clair, and his beloved grandchild Maxx Charlebois. He also had several nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Rob spent more than half his life here in Ithaca, NY but he truly loved the ocean. Cape Cod being his favorite place to visit.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s name can be made to the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes.