CSM (RET) Robert Gary Hambruch - Obituary

obert Gary “Bob” Hambruch, age 80, a resident of Annapolis, MD for 34 years and previously of Kansas, died January 23, 2021, at the Mandrin Inpatient Care Center in Harwood. Born in Annapolis on July 10, 1940, Bob served his country in the US Army from 1958 to 1980. During that time, he served two tours in Vietnam (1968-69 and 1971-72). Bob proudly served in the 3rd infantry (The Old Guard), graduated from Sergeants Major Academy in Fort Bliss, TX in 1976 and retired as a Command Sergeant Major in 1980. Bob’s unrelenting, loyalty, initiative and perseverance earned him numerous citations for his distinguished service. He was a two-time recipient of the Bronze Star and four-time recipient of The Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver and 1 Bronze Service Star, six-time recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/ Palm Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge and the Meritorious Service Medal. During his assignment at the Old Guard, Bob had the privilege of performing “Torchlight Tattoo,” “Spirit of America,” and “Prelude to Taps,” and he performed at a halftime show at Soldier Field for a Chicago Bears vs. Washington Redskins football game. After retirement, he was an ROTC instructor and worked in sales for Metropolitan Life Insurance, ANNMARC and Gardiner Outdoor Products. Bob was an avid Redskins and Baltimore Orioles fan; he loved riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, enjoyed bowling and watching his son Steven play baseball. He was known for his quick wit and sense of humor as well as his honesty. One never walked away from a conversation with Bob wondering where he stood. He was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand when one was in need, particularly children. Bob is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 32 years, Christina; sons, Robert G. (Michele Wynn) Hambruch, Jr. of Ft. Worth, TX, James E. (Holly) Hambruch of Three Rivers, MI and Steven K. Hambruch of Catonsville, MD; his daughter, Jennifer L. (Jarrod) Wege of Manhattan, KS; his sister, Elizabeth R. Easterday of Annapolis; grandsons, Jacob Hambruch, Jarrod Wege, Jr. and James Wege; granddaughters Morgan Belinger, Madison Hambruch, Brittani Olson, Brianna Hambruch, Jenna Wege and Ashley Dancy; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry F. and Margaret A. (Colburn) Hambruch, siblings, Henry Hambruch, Margaret “Sissy” Stallings, John Hambruch, William Hambruch and Dennis Hambruch. Family and friends are invited to share in the celebration of Bob’s life on Saturday, January 30, 2021, from 1-4 PM at Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD. Interment will take place at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered using the Memory Wall tab above.