Robert Hammesfahr

Robert Warren Hammesfahr, (Bob), 78, passed away April 25, 2018.  He is survived by his wife, Susan J. Gillespy, one son and numerous grandchildren, including Troy Jr., Michael Dean, Marc and William.  He has one brother, Dick, who lives in Ft. Myers.

Bob was raised in Elmhurst, Illinois.   He had fond memories and many stories to tell also of his extended family, including cousins, Kitty and Dolly, who lived in Morton Grove, a nearby community on the outskirts of Chicago (as is Elmhurst.)

Bob joined the United States Navy in 1959 where he advanced through the ranks as a Sonarman.   He made Master Chief in 1978 and retired as Command Master Chief aboard the USS Forrestal in 1980.  He enjoyed Navy life and his life at sea and often told stories of the many adventures of the crews with whom he served.

Bob had many careers throughout his life, including teaching electronics, math and physics.  But the profession for which he was so well known (internationally known) is that of animal training.  He was certified at the highest level as a Canine Behavioral Consultant and an active member of both the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.  Bob held a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Behavioral Science.

Bob was the owner and principal trainer for his company, Behavior Training for Dogs, specializing in dogs with problem and biting behaviors.  Susan joined him in his practice in 2010. Bob has trained thousands of dogs in the North Florida area during the last 35 years and has made many close and valued relationships and friendships during that time.  While he could be strict with his training protocol (No Dogs in Bed and No Free Lunch, for example), he tried to bring fun and playfulness to the training environment.

Bob and his wife, Susan, married in 2013, and resided in Atlantic Beach, Fla.  Bob will be sorely missed by all who came to know him as colleague, mentor, teacher, client and friend.

Bob's memorial service will be held in the Chapel of Quinn-Shalz Funeral Home in Jacksonville Beach, Fla. on Friday, the 4th of May, 2018 at 2:00p.m. The address is 3600 Third Street South, Jacksonville Beach, Fla. 32250, (904) 249-1100.

There will be another service with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery sometime in the coming months.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to G.R.E.A.T. Rescue of Northeast Florida or K-9s for Warriors.

Please sign the guest book.