Robert Joseph Hauptner

Robert Joseph Hauptner known to all of us as ""Bob"", with Linda by his side and holding his hand, passed away peacefully in Littleton, Colorado on April 19, 2020 after a long journey with heart disease. Bob fought an amazing fight for many years. Through technology Bob was surrounded by his sons and family who love and cherish him. Bob was a man of strength, an intelligent man with notable accomplishments, and a man that was always upbeat with a kind and generous spirit who never met a stranger.

Bob was born on March 19, 1946 in New Rochelle, New York to Vincent Edward and Rose Kfuori Hauptner. He grew up at City Island, New York where Bob developed his love for the ocean waters and lobsters that ran deep into his soul. Bob's Certificate of Baptism was at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, City Island, NY. I know Bob is with God and making his way around heaven to introduce himself to everyone.

Education & Achievements

Bob's education began at St. Mary's Star of the Sea School-Catholic Schools; Boy Scouts of America through the 8^th grade achieving Life rank with Troop 211 at City Island, NY. Bob attended Blessed Sacrament High School, New Rochelle, NY graduating in 1964. Playing Center on the football team Bob was one of five players to make the Interstate Catholic League's All Star Team and awarded a trophy by New York Giant's, Reed Bohovich; with the Rowing Team, Bob competed in the US and Canada; received a certificate for the Schoolboy Championship Regatta, 1962. Bob received an Award for Excellence- Spectemur Agendo Award in 1964. Bob attended Northeastern University, Boston, MA and was on the Freshman Year Football Team and the Rowing Team. After college years, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve stationed on the destroyer, USS Gainard (DD-706), out of Newport RI in the Mediterranean during the Vietnam War. Bob received a National Defense Service Medal and his Evaluation of Performance stated, ""One couldn't ask for a more reliable seaman.""

Career

Bob worked with the New York Telephone Company for a period of time and then with a small fiber optics company in the early 1970s; progressing to 3M, a Fortune 500 Company, East Coast Sales, 1974 - 1986; then as National Sales Director, 1986 - 1997 with Pirelli Cable Corporation in South Carolina receiving honors of The Quality Award. Bob was a master at negotiations. With Bob's leadership Pirelli Cable Corporation grew from #8 in the USA to #2 in revenue. In the following years Bob relocated to Highlands Ranch, CO and worked with various companies and as an independent consultant for the telecommunications industry.

Hobbies

Bob's ultimate passion was the ocean waters and fishing! With a love for travel, one of his favorite destinations was Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Bob loved the beautiful waters of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean, always anxious for another fishing adventure, talking to locals about the Annual Bisbee Fishing Tournament and savoring the seafood. Bob's dream was to return to Cabo San Lucas and we made it happen in 2019. Above all travels, the most important travel in Bob's life was when his sons traveled to Colorado to spend time with him. Bob was always a father who loved his sons dearly. As an avid golfer, Bob spent many hours golfing from Hilton Head to Arrowhead, attended The Masters Tournament, and enjoyed building radio control airplanes and boats. Breckenridge was Bob's favorite town in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. He had such fun times enjoying the gorgeous summer days in Breckenridge with Linda, grandchildren and friends. He also loved fishing in the Vail area, visiting Aspen, attending jazz festivals, and going to Colorado Springs to The Broadmoor Hotel for lunch with Linda while enjoying the view of Pikes Peak. One of Bob's favorite stories of his earlier years was telling us about attending the 1969 Woodstock Festival. Another love of Bob's was spending time with his four grandchildren. He was a proud Grandpa Bob!

Family

Survived by the love of his life and devoted wife, Linda Hazen; his two sons; Robert Scott Hauptner and Gregg Alan Hauptner; Children of Linda; Christy L. Stapley and husband, Rob Stapley; and Gary W. Hazen; four very loved grandchildren who loved their Grandpa Bob; Savannah L. Hazen, Hunter E. Hazen, Tanner H. Stapley and Emma S. Stapley; sister, Susie Hauptner; aunt, Marie Hauptner; former wife, Lynne Hauptner; his ""Buddy"" Randy Schutte, many other friends and Bob's beloved Chihuahua, Cayo. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Vincent Edward Hauptner and Rose Kfuori Hauptner.

The family will have a private viewing for Bob on Saturday, May 2, 2020. A Celebration of Life Service and Military Burial Ceremony at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, CO for family and friends to attend will be announced at a later date once the COVID-19 health restrictions are lifted.

When we leave this earth, the love that we've given and received remains behind to light the lives of those we touched - each memory a candle burning bright. Bob certainly touched many people during his life, leaving us with the light of cherished memories of Bob in our lives.

Please share a fond memory you have of Bob in the Guestbook below. Memorial donations in Bob's honor can be made to the All Veterans Honor Guard. For details click on the following link:

http://www.veteransresourceportal.com/resources/all-veterans-honor-guard-ft-logan-team/

Or, make checks payable to the All Veterans Honor Guard and send to Horan & McConaty c/o Val Babiuch 5303 E County Line Rd., Centennial CO 80122.

Rest in Peace Bob. Your memory lives on. You are forever in our hearts. We will love you forever and we miss you so much!