Robert S. Hurlbut Jr., 88, died peacefully on December 22, 2025, from complications of heart disease, surrounded by his family. Bob was an educator, community activist, and lifelong supporter of his beloved hometown of Cambridge, Massachusetts. He cherished his family and many friends and will be deeply missed. Born in 1937, he was the son of the late Robert S. and Sally D. Hurlbut of Cambridge. Just before Bob’s eighth birthday, he lost his father, a naval surgeon aboard the USS Halligan during WWII. His mother later married James T. Baldwin. Bob attended St. Paul’s School and Harvard College, where he studied history and literature, sang with the Krokodiloes, and played football and varsity lacrosse. He continued his family’s legacy of service by enlisting in the U.S. Navy stationed in Antigua and Norfolk, VA. In April 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Ann “Nancy” Gannett. They began a life together defined by family, faith, and community while pursuing careers in education. Bob’s first civilian role was in the classroom at Newton North High School, where he taught history. In 1969, he was appointed Headmaster of the Park School in Brookline, leading the school through 24 years of significant growth. Under his leadership, Park moved to a new modern campus on Goddard Avenue and expanded its mission to include a diverse student body from across the Boston region. He was an early advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and was deeply committed to the Park School community. Bob was known for offering students a simple but lasting piece of advice: look people in the eye and give them a firm handshake. After retiring from Park in 1993, Bob continued his lifelong commitment to service at the Cambridge Community Foundation. As its first Executive Director, he professionalized grantmaking, helped form the Cambridge Nonprofit Coalition, and established Cambridge Volunteers to strengthen civic engagement throughout the city. Bob was a meticulous note-taker and an extraordinary keeper of information. He possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of Boston’s backroads and back channels. He was a natural connector, linking people, ideas, and communities, and served as a model for educators and philanthropists. He was rarely seen without his signature jacket and colorful tie. Bob’s personal passions were wide-ranging and rooted in his devotion to community and education. He attended morning prayers at Harvard Memorial Church, participated in the Cambridge Book Club, joined poetry readings at Cambridge Homes, and led the Rotary Club of Cambridge’s Leaders of Today and Tomorrow program. He hosted a Cambridge Community Television program, “Seniors Needed,” organized a monthly “ROMEOs” luncheon, and attended many Fly Club events. Bob sailed throughout his life in Marblehead, and cherished summers camping with his family on Lake Champlain. A believer in simple joys, he delighted in fried clams, hamburgers, and Brigham’s coffee ice cream.
Bob is survived by his children, Angie Hurlbut and her husband Andrew Nyhart; Rob Hurlbut and his wife Amy; and Sam Hurlbut and his wife Maria Blanco. He was the proud grandfather of Byron, Noah, Isabelle, Gracey, Lucy, Caleb, Susannah, and Vivianne. He also leaves his siblings, Sally Hurlbut, Patty Jenkins, Lynn Hall, and Jay Baldwin. Bob’s beloved wife, Nancy, predeceased him in 2024. The family extends their deepest gratitude to Barbara Flynn for her devoted friendship and care.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 11, at 11:00 a.m. at Harvard Memorial Church. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s honor, may be made to the Cambridge Community Foundation cambridgecf.org/hurlbutlegacy
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