Robert Hurley

Robert Joseph Hurley, 95, of Cape Canaveral, Florida, and Portsmouth, RI died peacefully on June 15, 2025 surrounded by his family. Born in Somerville, MA on November 17, 1929, He was the son of the late Warren and Elizabeth (Cushing) Hurley.  

Bob began his life in the Boston area, working with his siblings and father in their roofing business. Upon completion of high school, he was recruited to play football for the team at the RI Teachers College, now the University of Rhode Island. After college he joined the US Navy and enrolled in the OCS program. He fulfilled a 22 career with the Navy, mostly in Submarine assignments, including command of the USS Croaker SS246.  

 After his retirement from active duty, he began a second career at the Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School in Fall River for 20 years. He was the head football coach for a few years, and was a guidance counselor until his retirement. Bob made lifelong friends at Diman who he continued to stay in touch with. 

In retirement, Bob was a longtime supporter of the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park in Buffalo NY, where his former submarine is now on exhibit. He was honored to be invited to be the keynote speaker at the USS Croakers 75th anniversary in Buffalo. Bob volunteered for many years at Our Savior Church in Cape Canaveral Florida, Patrick Space Force Base (formerly Patrick AFB) in the ID office for several years until 2023. On Saturday June 21st Bob was honored at a ceremony aboard the USS Croaker in Buffalo NY where a wreath and photo of the Commander were placed in remembrance. 

He loved and cherished the time he spent with his family and many friends. Bob was an avid tennis player until the age of 90, and throughout his life he enjoyed sailing, he was a talented woodworker, artist, gardener, loved watching all sports, he was an avid reader, enjoyed completing the NY times crossword puzzle every Sunday for many years. Bob was loved by many and had many friends here in the northeast as well as in Florida. Bob will be missed forever, but he had a wonderful life filled with love and family which he was always thankful for and very proud of 

Robert is survived by his son Michael R. Hurley and his wife Maria (Bois) of Portsmouth, RI, his grandson Kyle Robert Hurley of Warwick, RI, and his brother Brian Hurley of Winthrop, MA, several nieces, nephews and his extended Kaull, Williams and Armor family.  

Robert is preceded in death by his first wife of 47 years Florence H. Hurley, and his second wife, Cynthia Simmons, his brothers Warren, George and his sister Ruth.  

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday July 16,2025 at 11:00am, St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 324 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI. 

Donations in Bobs memory may be made to: USS Croaker Restoration Fund 25 Kaymar Drive, Amherst NY 14228