Mr. Robert Christopher Hatfield Jr.

Celebration of a Life Well Done!

Robert Christopher Hatfield Jr., “Bobby” was born on October 9, 1942 in Corona Queens, NY.  He was the fifth child born to proud parents, Robert Christopher Hatfield Sr., who passed in 1969 and Imelda (Ida) Mae Chinn, who passed in 1945.  Bobby was the baby of four siblings – Billy, Peggy, Lorraine and Esther.  Bobby’s eldest brother – Billy Hatfield passed in 2009, and his oldest sister – Peggy Morgan Hatfield - passed in 2015.  He is survived by his two sisters Lorraine Bishop, and Esther Pleasants.  

Bobby was only two years old when his mother died.  It was amazing that his father Robert Christopher Hatfield Sr. made sure all five of his children remained together.  Thereafter, Robert Christopher Hatfield Sr. married Lillian Gee Hatfield.  It was a beautiful combination family because Bobby had two more brothers who he absolutely loved and adored, Randolph Gee and Wallace Gee.  All family!

Bobby married his beloved Esther E. Brown from Surry, Virginia on July 10, 1971.  There love affair, connection and devotion to each other was immeasurable.  It was a love that was rooted in God, unconditional Love, loyalty, compassion and dedication to family.  Bobby has two children, Dr. Rhonda Cheri Hatfield born March 17, 1973 and Robert Christopher Hatfield III born May 6, 1979.  Bobby loved his children – that was obvious to all who knew him.  When you witnessed the family together you can see God at work thru their love for one another.

Bobby was baptized November 2, 1948 and confirmed on June 1, 1954, at The Church of the Resurrection, East Elmhurst, New York.  He went to public school, PS. #92, Corona, Queens - Graduated 1954, Junior High School #16, Corona, Queens - Graduated 1957, and Newtown High school, Elmhurst Queens, New York – Graduated 1960.  He also attended courses at Brooklyn Community College.  

Bobby joined the US Air Force in 1963 with an honorable discharge in 1976.  Thereafter, he joined the US. Army Reserves from 1977 to 1985.  Then joined the US Airforce Reserves 1985 and retired from the Airforce honorably in 1994.  

Bobby also worked for the New York State Narcotic Control Commission which changed to the New York State Control Commission as a Narcotic Correction Officer from 1970 to 1976.  In 1976 Bobby joined the New York State department of Correctional Service and retired April 1998.

Bobby definitely had a strong work ethic with jobs such as selling newspapers, Wirer & Solderer, Mechanical Assemble, Cartographic Draftsman, Cashier, Sales person (Hearne Brothers), and Assistant Manager at a restaurant (Franks Steak House) and many more opportunities to make money.  He was an entrepreneur at heart and owned a four-family apartment building and helped manage a Jazz club in Freeport, Long Island.  All of which were a great sources to provide for his family and set the stage for all his future endeavors.  One of his great hobbies was being a master craftsman by fixing and building just about anything from beds to sheds.  He definitely could work with his hands and he loved his wood working.  He was a visionary and made things happen!

Daddy always had fond memories of growing up as a child with his parents, siblings and friends.  He was also always willing to help a family member or friend who needed his assistance.  He frequently visited New York to see family and friends and go to Jazz shows, The US Open, celebrations and various functions.   During those visits, he would make time to do his “cemetery runs” to pay respect to his Mothers, Father and many other family and friends that he loved that had passed on.  The cemetery runs was a tradition that he shared with his daughter Cheri as well as the father/daughter dinners and functions in New York.  He also enjoyed road trips and would often drive to Charlotte, NC to visit Robert for home improvements projects and father/son time.  

Daddy had a great sense of humor, quick wit and sarcasm that people learned to expect and love about him.  He told it like it was with a no-nonsense attitude.  Always to the point regardless of the circumstances and looked for and demanded respect.  He was a proud man and lead by example and if something needed to be done, he did it.  He always followed through! 

Daddy, also had a love for family togetherness and connection.  It was important to him that the Hatfield’s stay connected.  He was one that would check on the elders in the family such as his Uncle Lenny and Aunt Jeanette, Uncle Tony and Aunt Marguerite.  He was always there with groceries, money, or tools to fix something to make things easier for those he loved.

He leaves behind a beloved wife - Esther E. Hatfield, daughter – Dr. Rhonda Cheri Hatfield, son – Robert Christopher Hatfield III, sisters – Lorraine Bishop and Esther Pleasants, God Sons - Jerome Darby and Jeffrey Morgan, God Daughter - Mickey Swangin, nieces, nephews and a host of loving family and close friends from around the country.

Bobby also leaves many loving brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, (Marilyn and James Jenkins, Rogers and Rosa Brown, Mahue Brown, Franklin Brown, Virginia and Charles Faircloth, Linda and Garry Price, Janice and Ricky McDaniel, Annie Jean Hatfield).  

Bobby knew that he was tremendously loved and blessed, and he loved us!  

{He would like to be remembered in his own words written below as:}

“I was someone who loved Jazz Music.  Someone who wanted to play Drums professionally however time and family would not allow.   Someone who messed around with Alto Sax the flute the Piano too, but practice went by the wayside when I got sick.  I tried to be someone that would help someone, if I could.   I would take ladies groceries to their home from the A&P in my homemade wagon.  I had a fun life as a child.  I had a paper route after JHS, about 40-50 customers.  It was always in the fall so I could get those mire xmas tips.”    I enjoyed spending quiet time alone with God.  I would grab my dog Bruno and we would walk to our favorite spot in the hills of West Milford, NJ and there I would sit on a log and talk to my Father in Heaven, until one day we saw a bear as tall as me standing on his two hind legs checking us out.    After that I had to find another happy place.”

The Family Honor’s Him

Bobby is remembered as being a proud, loyal, devoted and very loving husband, father, brother, God father, uncle, and friend.  He was one of a kind.  To know him is to love and adore him.  In the words of my father, “It’s never goodbye, It’s I’ll see you later.” “Go Slow…”

He will never be forgotten!

I Love you Daddy,

Cheri

Mr. Robert Christopher Hatfield Jr. departed this life, Thursday February 9, 2023 peacefully with his loving family beside him. A Homegoing Service will be held 12 noon Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, 5738 Colonial Trail E. Surry Va. 23883. Viewing from 10:00 - 12 noon.
Military Honors will follow Homegoing Service.

New York Services:
A second Homegoing Service will be held 11:30am  Friday, February 24, 2023 at J. Foster Phillip's Funeral Home, 179-24 Linden Blvd, Queens, NY 11434. Viewing from 9:30 - 11:30am.

Interment Friday, February 24, Flushing Cemetery, 163-6 46th Ave, Queens, NY 11358

Live-stream of services taking place in Virginia via Mt. Nebo Baptist Church & Poole’s Funeral Home Facebook Pages.  Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers. www.poolesfuneralhome.com

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