Grandfather, talented glazier, Rotarian

Robert L. Hauducoeur was born in Philadelphia on May 26, 1944, the third child of Dorothy and Robert Hauducoeur, joining two older sisters. He was raised in the Philadelphia suburb of Glenolden.

“Bob” was married to Pat for 56 years. They have three sons, Tim, Rob, and Kyle; three daughters-in-law, Tera, Julie, and Monee; and three grandchildren, Jenna, Josh and Jack, all of whom reside in Upland.

He attended a three year glaziers apprentice program through M. Krakovitz and Sons Glass Company, and also attended San Bernardino Community College for two years.

Over his career he was a supervisor on several large jobs. He was the lead glazier for the Philadelphia International Airport and the supervisor for the Avon building (now the Solow building) at 9 W. 57^th  St. in New York City. He was part of glaziers local union in Philadelphia for 23 years before moving to Claremont in 1985, where he became part of the local glaziers union.

Over the years he bought and resold homes that needed extensive remodeling and additions. Over the years he was able to help each son with their homes with all different levels of renovations. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, working in the garden, and having dinner with friends and family. With his love of building things, he constructed several elaborate bird houses,  keeping some and gifting most.

His interests and hobbies included playing Santa Claus and sometimes an elf while visiting children in local hospitals on Christmas Eve. He was an avid handball and racquetball player. He had a small speedboat and loved to water ski with family in the back waters of Wildwood, New Jersey. He also enjoyed crabbing and clamming in the Back Bay waters.

He was an honorary member of Rotary and was involved for many years with several programs. Among his favorites was Bikes for Kids, where he would fix up used bikes or put together new bikes to be donated to needy children. He also enjoyed helping set up the annual Taste of Claremont event, and aiding in the construction of the dunk tank for the city’s Fourth of July celebrations.

He died peacefully with family by his side on November 12. He was 78 years old.

A Catholic Mass will be celebrated in his honor at 10 a.m. Friday, December 2 at Holy Name of Mary Church, 724 E. Bonita Ave., San Dimas, CA 91773, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to City of Hope at cityofhope.org/giving/give-honor-or-memory.