ACUSHNET—Rev. Robert P. Hardy, 92, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. He was the loving husband of Ellen L. (Howard) Hardy, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage.

Robert was born in Sayre, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Rev. C. Wellington Hardy and Honorine Hardy.

Rev. Hardy was a graduate of Houghton College in NY and earned his Masters in Divinity from the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in. He lived in Ohio for 20 years serving local churches and as the Executive Director of the Dayton Christian Center before returning to New Bedford in 1977. Robert devoted his life to sharing the message of Jesus Christ, serving locally as pastor of North Baptist Church in New Bedford and Long Plain United Methodist Church in Acushnet. Robert was an avid fisherman and also enjoyed bird carving, nature photography and riding his motorcycle and was especially fond of his work with young people and their Christian education.

Surviving in addition to his wife are many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in death by his brothers, Donald and Charles Hardy.

A Celebration of Life for Rev. Hardy will be held at a later date.

Please consider a contribution in his memory to the Long Plain United Methodist Church , 1215 Main St., Acushnet, MA 02743 or to Grotonwood Christian Camp , 167 Prescott St., Groton, MA 01450.