Robert Lewis Mehaffie

Robert Lewis Mehaffie, 81, of Middletown, Maryland, passed from this life, on Friday, August 9, 2024, at Frederick Health Hospital. He was born on August 12, 1942, in Frederick, Maryland to the late George Edgar Mehaffie and Fannie Elizabeth (Michael) Mehaffie.

Bob proudly served our country in the United States Marine Corps. Enlisting at age 17, he was in Parris Island, SC, 10 days after graduating from Frederick High School with the class of 1960. He was in Advanced Infantry Training until his ankles swelled so much he couldn't walk, after jumping out of helicoptors. It was then that he chose Demolition. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, his unit was deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where the United States had a base. Their job was to clear five fields of land mines in case our troops had to advance into Cuba. Three Marines successfully cleared four fields of mines and were working on the fifth, when one of them stepped on a mine that had been missed and it exploded, taking five legs. Bob lost both of his legs above the knee. They were treated, evacuated, and flown to Philadelphia Naval Hospital in Pennsylvania. Bob was treated there for thirteen months before being discharged and retired from the service. That was on November 4, 1962, when he was twenty years old. He was without his legs for over 60 years.

He worked at Fort Detrick for 37 years. He was working in the computer lab, as Chief of Computer Services, when he retired from Federal Service. After retirement he stayed busy with being the "swim taxi" for his grandchildren, gardening, researching his genealogy, having lunch with friends, fishing, and helping others by volunteering at the Family Search Center at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He enjoyed working outside, especially when he was mowing the lawn or plowing snow in the driveways. He loved spending time with his family and friends.

A family member spoke for all of us when she said that Bob was a larger than life hero for so many, as well as an inspiration. His love, courage, and perseverence will be remembered by all whose lives he touched. He will be greatly missed.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, George and Fannie Mehaffie, son Edward "Eddie"Mehaffie, sister Connie Boone, sister Frances Mehaffie, sister Florence "Flo" Angleberger, brother James "Jim" Mehaffie, infant great-grandson Jax Mehaffie, former wife Doris Prevost, second wife Sarah "Sally" Boone Dodson, stepson Tony Dodson, and numberous nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Linda Mehaffie. Also surviving him are his daughter, Katherine "Kathy" Skinner (Dennis), son Robert "Robbie" Mehaffie, Jr. (Kathy), son Michael "Mike" Mehaffie, sister Terri Leather, brother George Mehaffie, stepdaughter Jamie Aidis (Pete Roumeliotis), and stepdaughter Jeanne Bartoli (Robert).

He is survived by grandchildren, Daniel Mehaffie, Holly Norman, Steven Roumeliotis, Alex Roumeliotis, Matthew Roumeliotis, Zachary Aidis, Tyler Aidis, Katherine "Katie" Mehaffie, Alysa Thompson, Michaela Mehaffie, Darian Mehaffie, Grace Magers, Charles Magers, Christopher Watson, Cody Dodson, Jacob Harper, Ryan Bartoli, Garrett Mehaffie, and Desiree Mehaffie.

He is also survived by great-grandchildren Mason Mehaffie, Samuel Norman, Maxwell Norman, Jackson Sherwood, and Cillian Sherwood.

A graveside service was held Friday, August 16, at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Frederick, MD with full military honors.