CDR Robert William Hepworth, Sr., passed away peacefully at his home on Pensacola Beach, Florida, on June 28, 2026, just shy of his 95th birthday. He was 94 years old. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, patriot, and man of unwavering faith and character.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life and devoted wife of 61 years, Dottie Hepworth.

Robert was born on July 30, 1931, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, to Helen Margaret Joy and Harold Lloyd Hepworth. He was raised in Derry, New Hampshire, as the oldest of eight children. He is survived by his brother, John Hepworth, of Illinois.

He also leaves behind a loving family who was the pride and joy of his life: his children, Robin Piatnik (Mike), Robert Hepworth, Jr. (Elizabeth), Rachel Watts (Jon), Ryan Hepworth (Debbie), and Randy Hepworth (Kim); his cherished grandchildren, Mitchell Piatnik, Ashley Anderson (Ricky), Megan Durant (Jake), Kristen Martin (Jack), Kayley Ramirez (Elijah), Olivia Hepworth, Ben Hepworth, Carson Hepworth, Cole Hepworth, Allie Hepworth, and Zoe Hepworth; his treasured great-grandson, Beau Durant; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Robert graduated from Pinkerton Academy in Derry, New Hampshire, in 1951, where he excelled as a student-athlete and was later inducted into the Pinkerton Academy Hall of Fame. He accepted an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, where he played football as a two-way player and was a proud member of the Academy’s 1955 Sugar Bowl Championship team. He graduated from the Naval Academy in June 1955 and, shortly thereafter, he received letters of interest from the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Cardinals for the NFL Draft. Choosing a life of service over professional football, he answered the call to serve his country by accepting active duty in the United States Navy.

During his distinguished 24-year naval career, affectionately known by the call sign “Hep-Cat,” he proudly served two tours in Vietnam aboard the USS Ranger as an A-6 Intruder attack pilot; he flew 230 combat missions and completed more than 1,308 aircraft carrier landings. In 1974, he set the world record for the most carrier landings aboard a single aircraft carrier, the USS Lexington. He also became the most junior aviator and only the fourth Naval Aviator in history at that time to achieve 1,000 arrested carrier landings, known as “traps.” Throughout his military career, he earned the admiration of his fellow aviators through his exceptional leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to duty.

He retired from the United States Navy in 1978 while serving as Safety Officer aboard the USS Lexington. Retirement from military service did not mark the end of his commitment to others. He dedicated himself to mentoring young people throughout the Gulf Coast, teaching and coaching at Escambia High School, serving in the recreation program in Myrtle Grove, and volunteering with The Salvation Army. He spent many years as a flight simulator instructor for the T-34 at Whiting Field, where he continued mentoring future naval aviators until his retirement in the early 2000s.

While Robert’s accomplishments in athletics, military service, and aviation were extraordinary, the role he treasured most was that of family man. Known lovingly as “Papa Hep,” he found his greatest happiness surrounded by his family. His favorite place in the world was the deck of the family beach house, where he spent countless evenings watching beautiful sunsets, enjoying happy hour, sharing stories, and making memories with those he loved most.

Papa Hep was his grandchildren’s biggest fan. Whether coaching from the sidelines, cheering from the stands, or simply showing up, he was always there. He rarely missed a game, performance, or milestone. His unwavering support, quiet strength, and steady encouragement shaped generations of his family. His grandchildren lost their greatest supporter, and the Gulf Breeze athletic community lost one of its most loyal and recognizable fans.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. A private family graveside service will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026. His grandsons will have the honor of serving as Active Pallbearers.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to his devoted caregivers, Terrian Whelchel and Tracy Wilder, whose love, compassion, and faithful care allowed Robert to remain at home throughout his final years. They also sincerely thank the dedicated staff of Home Instead, People’s Home Health and Hospice Care, and Vital Care for the kindness, dignity, and exceptional care they provided.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Robert’s memory to Live Well Water Charities at www.LiveWellWater.org.