Dr. Robert G. Hacker age 89 of Fairport, New York passed from his active life with complications from Parkinson’s Disease on March 11, 2021. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Mary (nee Wolff), daughter Robyn (Chris) Dreyfus, son Robert, granddaughter Rachel (Joshua) Lee, great-grandson Owen Lee, and numerous extended family members.
He was born on December 8, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois to Robert C. and Emma (nee Schauer) Hacker and was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law Rodney and Josephine Hacker, and nephew Fred Hacker. He attended Chicago Teachers College where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education, and South Dakota State University where he was awarded his Master’s Degree. He was also awarded his PHD in Mass Communications from the University of Iowa. Bob was a professor at RIT for 35 years where he developed the Newspaper Operations Management degree program. He was also the Paul and Louise Miller Distinguished Professor for many years where he mentored countless undergraduate and graduate students, guiding them towards successful careers in the printing and newspaper industries.
He was always dedicated to making sure the students got the best education that could be provided. Bob was also awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to teach at Helsinki Technical Institute in Finland where he discovered his lifelong love of cross country skiing. He supervised and organized the yearly presentation of the Isaiah Thomas Award in Publishing for RIT. Additionally, he was an independent consultant for National and International Newspapers taking him to such places as Germany, India, Portland, and New Orleans among many others. Bob was an Eagle Scout and loved to visit the family farms in Wisconsin all his life. He was an amateur vintner for many years and was greatly appreciated by those who enjoyed the fruits of his labors.
Bob loved to fish, hunt and cross-country ski. He took the opportunity to fish anywhere he could but made annual fishing trips to Alaska and Montana. He also enjoyed volunteering on the Nordic Ski Patrol and was a longtime member of Mountain Rise United Church of Christ in Fairport where he joined the choir. After retirement he enjoyed lunching with his “investment” group and the ROMEOs. He and Mary made many exciting trips thru the years such as the cousins trips to ancestral Germany, Alaska, South America , and two trips to Israel.
Bob was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2014 and moved to The Friendly Home in 2017 where his charm and sense of humor made him a favorite of the staff. He had a thirst for knowledge and a heart of gold and will be terribly missed.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday September 25, 1PM At Mountain Rise UCC, Fairport. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mountain Rise United Church of Christ, Fairport NY, or the Genesee Valley Nordic Ski Patrol.
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2 responses to “Hacker, Dr. Robert G.”
Mary and family, I’m so sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. He was one of my professors and then my mentor when I joined the School of Printing faculty to teach his Application of Computers in the Graphic Arts to third year printing students (when he received the Paul and Louise Miller Endowed Professorship to create the Newspaper Operations Management program). I loved working with Bob and hearing his experiences and stories. May God be with you all at this difficult time and may you be blessed with many fond memories of Bob. A life well-lived, my friend. Rest In Peace, you have earned it. ~Chuck Goodykoontz
To, Mary and Family, we are sad to hear about Bob’s passing. Obviously a well appreciated faculty at RIT (and expert in his field), we also remember him as a wonderful neighbor (at Little Spring Run), a person of humor and passion. We pray God grants your family peace during this difficult time as you reflect on his bright personality, character and legacy.