Robert L. "Robbie" Hanson

Robert L. "Robbie" Hanson, 73, of Cambridge, Maryland, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

Robbie was born on November 20, 1952, in Cambridge, Maryland, the son of the late Harold Hanson and Elizabeth Abbott. On January 19, 1974, he married Catherine "Cathy" Wright of Cambridge.

Robbie was a graduate of the North Dorchester Class of 1971. That same year, he enlisted in the United States Air Force Security Forces where he served in South-East Asia during the Vietnam War. Upon returning home, Robbie served in the Air Force Reserves at Dover Air Force Base in the 512th Weapons Systems Security Forces. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Salisbury State University. After graduation, Robbie taught history and sociology at North Dorchester and Cambridge-South Dorchester high schools. He dedicated his time coaching high school football and reviving the track and field team at CSD.

Robbie transitioned into a distinguished career with Maryland Parole and Probation, spanning 34 years, retiring as Assistant Regional Administrator.

He served over 12 years as a City Commissioner for the Fifth Ward in Cambridge. Robbie spent time as chair of the Dorchester County Planning and Zoning Commission where he served for 36 years, and he also served multiple terms on the Maryland Veterans Commission. He was co-founder of the Dorchester County Public Safety and Treatment Network and served as a member for the Dorchester County Local Management Board for Child and Family Services. A proud veteran, Robbie was a member of the American Legion Post 91, a life member of the Choptank VFW Post 7460, and a life member of the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 0648.

Robbie found one of life’s greatest joys upon his retirement: being the one and only “Poppy” to his cherished grandchildren. Those years were filled with the kind of moments that mattered most to him, time spent with the people he loved.

His Christian faith was the foundation of his life. It was part of who he was, how he loved his family, and how he cared for others. He served in various capacities in his church throughout the years, including ministering in local prisons.

Robbie’s sense of humor was his defining quality. His ability to be funny was not something he just turned on, it was simply who he was. He had a special gift for making people laugh, and it was something he carried throughout his life.

Robbie enjoyed waterfowl hunting, Civil War history, his younger years sailing on the Choptank, frying oysters at the Flower Fair, coaching Little League baseball, and attending his children and grandchildren’s sporting events.

Robbie is survived by his wife, Cathy, the love of his life. He is also survived by his children: Meredith, Scott (Michele), and Lucas (Heather); his grandchildren: Landon, Lily, Ledger, and Nash; his brothers: David Peterson (Shirley) of Woodbine, GA and Richard Peterson of Cary, NC; a stepsister: Patsy Creighton of Cambridge, and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and his daughter, Shannon Hanson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 1214 S. Washington St. Easton, MD 21601 on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 12pm. Family will receive friends from 10am to 12pm. Interment will follow at Dorchester Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Scott Hanson, Lucas Hanson, Eddie Dayton Sr., Eddie Dayton Jr., Brian Dayton, Charles Hanson, and George Wright Jr.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Cambridge St. Vincent DePaul Society Ministry 2000 Hambrooks Blvd., Cambridge, MD, 21613.

Arrangements are in the care of the Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge.