The Honorable Robert Anthony Hawley Jr., affectionately known as "Bob," of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026, at the age of 75.

Bob was born on June 30, 1951, in Sioux City, Iowa, and was one of five siblings. He spent most of his childhood in the small farming community of Storm Lake, Iowa, before relocating with his family to West Palm Beach, Florida, in 1968. He graduated from Forest Hill Community High School in 1969.

Bob began his career as a lineman with the Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company while attending Florida Atlantic University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in 1975. In 1983, he accepted a management position and relocated to Atlanta, Georgia. It was there that he made the life-changing decision to pursue a career in law. He enrolled at Georgia State University College of Law in 1984 before transferring to Nova Southeastern University, where he earned his Juris Doctor in 1987. Following law school, Bob joined the law firm of Paxton, Crow, Bragg & Smith, P.A. as an associate. He later became a partner and relocated to the firm's satellite office in Vero Beach.

In 1994, Bob was elected to Florida's 19th Judicial Circuit and took office on January 6, 1995. During his twenty years on the bench, he earned the respect of attorneys, court staff, and the countless individuals who appeared before him. Known for his calm demeanor, fairness, and thoughtful judgment, he served the citizens of Indian River, Martin, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee counties with integrity until his retirement on January 8, 2015.

Outside the courtroom, Bob embraced every opportunity for adventure. He loved sailing aboard his beloved boat, Sea Trial; target shooting; riding motorcycles; exploring America's National Parks; and enjoying weekly cigar gatherings with close friends. Retirement marked the beginning of Bob and Pam's greatest adventure together. Over the next decade, they traveled to all seven continents and 89 countries, took 43 cruises, toured Europe five times, and explored 43 states by RV.

Above all, Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His wisdom, integrity, generosity, and dry wit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Pamela Dvorak; his children, Joseph Hawley (Jill) and Samantha Turman (Joe); his grandchildren, Vera, Frederico, and Anais Hawley; his sister, Denise Wassmer (Don); his great-great-nieces, Julie Sanderson and Mariah Ryan; and many other beloved family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Agnes Hawley; his sisters, Kathleen Romani and Michaelene Hawley; and his brother, James Hawley.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 2, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Helen Catholic Church in Vero Beach, Florida. Burial will immediately follow at Crestlawn Cemetery. Please join us for a Celebration of Life at the Vero Beach Country Club beginning at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob’s honor to VNA Hospice House, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, or Blood Cancer United.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home.

An online guestbook is available at CoxGiffordSeawinds.com