Robert Burleigh Hailstone, age 98, of Landenberg, PA passed away at his home surrounded by his family on November 24, 2022. Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA, he was the son of the late Catherine (Birkbeck) and James Galbraith Hailstone.

He graduated from Moosic High School and went on to enlist in the Army Air Corps during World War II, assigned as a tailgunner on a B-26 with the 17th Bomb Group. He was stationed in Dijon, France, flying 11 missions, until being gravely wounded on a bombing raid over Seigelsbach, Germany. Following his honorable discharge, Robert and his wife, Jean, settled in Wilmington, DE where he began a 35-year-long career at the DuPont Experimental Station, retiring as a Senior Research Technician.

Robert was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason with Temple Lodge #11 in Wilmington, Delaware.

The family would like to thank Penn Medicine Hospice, Katherine Broadhurst and Grace Loyd, and Concoct In-Home Care for their dedicated and supportive care of their father and grandfather during his final days.

In addition to his parents, Robert was predeceased by his daughters, Roberta Jones and Lois DiVincenzo; and his eight siblings, William Hailstone, Lillias Gilroy, Charles Hailstone, Elizabeth Smith, James Hailstone, Jeanne Hanna, Shirley Schooley, and Frances Hailstone.

Robert is survived by his wife of nearly 77 years, Jean Hailstone; his son James Hailstone (Shirley), daughter Julie Parrack (David); his sons-in-law, Curt Jones and Bruce DiVincenzo; his ten grandchildren and twenty-three great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Bob was a long-time member and former trustee of Newark Baptist Church, and a memorial service is scheduled there on January 21, 2023, at 11 a.m. Burial was held privately at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, Delaware. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Newark Baptist Church, 6011 Telegraph Road, Elkton, MD 21921.