Obituary: Robert M. Hardiman, age 87

Robert M. Hardiman, age 87, of Milford, beloved husband of Dorothy M. Hardiman for 66 years, died on Wednesday, December 19th.

Mr. Hardiman was born in Bridgeport, CT on June 11, 1925 to the late John and Rose Gross Hardiman. He graduated from Warren Harding High in 1943 and joined the Merchant Marine where he served on a troop ship in the Pacific Theatre during WWII. The ship he served on was part of the invasion of two islands, Peleliu and Saipan.

He then joined Murphy Outdoor Advertising as a commercial artist winning several awards and recreating the mural at the Museum of Arts and Science in Bridgeport. He left Murphy Advertising after 34 years as a Vice President and was appointed as the Executive Assistant to the Commissioner of Housing in the State of CT.

Four years later, he joined the Department of Transportation where he was given the assignment of promoting the State Airports, including Bradley International. In 1989, he became the Deputy Commissioner of Water Transportation for the State of CT. He left the state and became a Sheriff under the then High Sheriff, Henry Healey and in 2000 he became a State Marshal.

He served in many civic capacities, President of the Milford Little League, President of the Milford Kiwanis, Chairman of the Park Beach and Recreation, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Board, Member of the original Orchard Golf Course Committee, and the Vice President of the New Haven County Marshal’s Association.

Mr. Hardiman was an avid golfer, winning many awards and tournaments over the years. Mr. Hardiman was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award in  2010 for his outstanding, dedicated, and successful contributions to the Democratic Party, chairing the Milford Democratic Committe for 16 years and serving as a member of the Democratic State Central Committee.  

Survivors include his daughter Tara Hardiman and her husband Roger Jackson of VA, as well as granddaughter Shannon Hardiman. Mr. Hardiman is pre-deceased by his son, Darryl Hardiman.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. Mary’s Church, Milford at a later date. Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society. The Gregory F. Doyle Funeral Home will be announcing the arrangements.To leave an online condolence, please visit www.gregoryfdoylefuneralhome.com

Charitable donations may be made in Robert's memory to the following organization:

American Cancer Society 
http://www.cancer.org 
30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701
Tel: 800 952 7430 x4712