Obituary of Robert O. Hawkins

Robert O. Hawkins, Jr, PhD b. 01/04/1938, Valdosta, GA – d. 09/19/2014, Stony Brook, NY Dr. Hawkins succumbed to complications after a long and valiant battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his partners in life, Dr. Edmund J. McTernan and Michele L. McTernan, and survived by brothers Fred and George Hawkins, children Moira Edwards (Marvin), Catherine Walls (William), Edmund J. McTernan Jr (Janice), Michele McTernan (David Klopfenstein), Brennan J. McTernan (Frances), and numerous grandchildren. Dr. Hawkins graduated from the US Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD with a BS in Engineering in 1961, M.Ed. Northeastern University, 1969, and PhD in Human Sexuality from New York University in 1986. Dr. Hawkins fought for recognition for gay service members, and in 2013 received an Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Navy retroactive to his departure from the service in 1962. He was Professor Emeritus, School of Health Technology and Management, Stony Brook University, having retired in 1995. Service was an important aspect of Dr. Hawkins’ life. He played critical roles in many organizations, including Commissioner of the Suffolk County Human Rights Commission from 1988 – 1998 and President of the Board of Directors, LI Gay & Lesbian Youth, Inc., 1994 – 1999. He was involved in acting and singing for most of his life, having performed in musicals with the Carriage House Players in the 1970s, singing with the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus from 1996 until 2003, and then joining the Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus in 2009. Ever the Annapolis grad, Dr. Hawkins was committed to physical fitness and participated in triathlons, bicycle, and foot races until his condition made that impossible. Dr. Hawkins was firmly self-reliant and an individualist, yet as teacher, friend, and mentor, he was life-changing for innumerable others. It is truly remarkable how much he accomplished and how many lives he touched. Interment will take place on Monday, Sept 22 at 1 pm, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Stony Brook, NY alongside his beloved Edmund and Michele. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: L.I.G.A.L.Y at liglbtnetwork.org, or Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus at longislandgaymenschorus.org.