LEWISTON – Robert E. Hearne Sr., SMSgt. USAF/Retired, passed away on March 14, 2024, at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

He was born in Providence, R.I. on Sept. 16, 1933, the eldest child of the late George E. Hearne Sr. and Mildred E. (Woodworth) Hearne of Providence, R.I., and San Dimas, Calif.

He attended schools in Cranston and Providence, R.I., graduating from Saint Michaels Elementary School in 1949, and Hope High School in 1952. He delivered morning papers of the Providence Journal in the Brown University area on the east side of Providence from 6th grade until graduating from high school in June 1952. He was a member of the Narraganset Counsel Boy Scouts of America, and a summer staff counsel member of Camp Yawgoog from 1948 through 1952. He attained the Boy Scout Eagle rank at camp in August 1951.

Robert enlisted in the United States Air Force in Providence, R.I. in February 1953, and proudly completed his Air Force career after 23 years active duty on Sept. 1, 1976. His overseas assignments included Kunsan AFB Korea, Johnson AFB Japan, Goose AFB Labrador, and Nha Trang AFB Vietnam. During the Tet Offensive of November 1967, an aircraft on the base sustained a direct hit on the wing in the attack. At that time TSgt Hearne was able to taxi two adjacent aircraft away from the immediate area of attack. Sergeant Hearne was subsequently awarded The Bronze Star w/V (valor) device for heroic action.

Upon his retirement, SMSGT Hearne was a recipient of the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal. His last permanent duty station was at Hickam AFB Hawaii assigned as Aircraft Organizational Chief, Air Force Special Weapons Command, in which 25 HC130 (refueling) aircraft and five newly assigned HH-53 (satellite recovery) helicopters were based. He resided at Hickam until retirement.

As a civilian he served as a first-class electrician, material handler, back-up lead man, and metal worker at Bath Iron Works for almost 20 years, retiring in May 1999.

He met his wife, Suzanne Ruth (Lalonde) Hearne while stationed at Otis AFB Massachusetts. They were married at Saint Patrick’s Chapel, Lewiston on May 6, 1960. During the next 16 years the family grew to two daughters and three sons. Being in the military was quite a challenge with a large family, with recurring TDY’s, PCS moves, and over 3000 flying hours. Robert and Sue enjoyed a great marriage with their five children in the military and in civilian life as well. Sadly, after 52 years of marriage, Suzanne passed away on Dec. 14, 2012.

Survivors include Laurie Hearne-Trevino, Auburn, Lisa M. Poulin, Mims, Fla., Christopher (TSgt. USAF/Retired) and wife, Maria of Westminster, Mass., Robert Jr. (Sgt. U.S. Army/Retired) and wife, Marylou of Olympia, Wash., Matthew John, of Oklahoma City, Okla.; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Robert was preceded in death by one grandson, Christian. Robert’s siblings include three brothers, George E. Hearne Jr. (deceased) and wife Patricia of San Dimas, Calif., Edward Hearne (deceased) of Covina, Calif., Charles Hearne of Phoenix, Ariz., and sister, Claire M. Herrera and husband, Richard of Chandler, Ariz., who survive him.

A Mass of Christian Burial at Prince of Peace Parish, Holy Family Church will be held on Friday, March 22 at 11 a.m., followed by committal prayers at Gracelawn Memorial Park in the Edward Chapman Gathering Room.

Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group Funeral Home, 217 Turner St., Auburn, ME 04210, 207-783-8545

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