Robert "Gerald" Hardy (also known as Bob or Jerry) of Waldorf, MD, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on March 24, 2025. Gerald was born on February 17, 1947 to the late Jeraldine H. Cator and Robert M. Hardy, Jr. He grew up on the family farm in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Gerald's life took a special turn when he married his soulmate and love of his life, Bonnie Hatton Hardy, on November 8, 1969.

Gerald is survived by his wife of 55 years, Bonnie H. Hardy, their daughter Amanda H. Garrett (Chris), their son Owen Gerald Hardy (Alana), their granddaughters Ashlea C. Garrett and Bailea E. Garrett, their great-grandson Phoenix R. Garrett, and their great-granddaughter Kadence R. Fox. He is also survived by his brother Lawrence E. Cator (Wendy) of Lothian, Maryland, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Gerald is preceded in death by his mother, Jeraldine Hardy Cator (nee Beall), his father Robert Merle Hardy, Jr, "Daddy Bud" Alfred Lawrence Cator, and his sister, Corrine Cator Thompson Martein.

Gerald's mom always said that, "when Gerald's feet hit the floor, he was gone." This was true throughout his life. He was no stranger to hard work, starting work at the young age of 14 on his brother in laws farm. He eventually transitioned his career to heavy civil construction. He took all of the knowledge he learned working for Daisy Brothers and opened his own business, Cable and Conduit Construction Inc. where he worked all over the state of Maryland. He was a master at his trade and looked up to by so many. He never let any dust settle even after retirement keeping a very busy lifestyle whether he was outside grooming and tending to his lawn, working alongside his son at Hardy Underground Utilities, or volunteering at the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department. Gerald was a true outdoorsman who loved working hard and playing in the dirt.

Gerald had a deep love for the fire department and serving his community. He started volunteering at the Forestville Volunteer Fire Department when he was just 17. He volunteered there until he moved to Waldorf in November 1971. In January 1972, he joined the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department and has been a member ever since. Even though he was no longer active in fighting fires or driving the boys around on the apparatus, he still showed up to have a cup of coffee, talk shop, and was still actively engaged in helping out by attending the Charles County Association, Southern Maryland Fire Association, Charles County Executive and Charles County Board of Fire and Rescue Meetings.

Gerald was so proud of his daughter, Amanda, and son, Owen. They both followed in his footsteps and became a Paramedic and Firefighter/Paramedic with the Prince George's County Fire and EMS Department. Gerald, better known as "Poppie" to his grand children, was so excited to become a grandfather and then a great grandfather spending much of his time with them.

Gerald loved his family and life, always up for a good time and enjoyed the company of his family and friends. He was a friendly person who never met a stranger, he loved talking to everyone. He may not have remembered your name but he never forgot your face, running into someone he knew wherever he went.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. or from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Brinsfield Funeral Home, located at 30195 Three Notch Road in Charlotte Hall, Maryland. A prayer service, including Fireman's Prayers, will be held at 7:00 p.m.