Robert I. Hudson, 90, of Newport, Delaware, passed away of complications of meningitis following a severe sinus infection on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Born at home in Wilmington on March 1, 1935, he was the son of Ivah and Helen (Ritter) Hudson.
Bob attended George Gray School and graduated from P. S. duPont High School in 1952. As a senior in high school, he participated in the Co-Op program, attending school for two weeks and working at Equitable Trust Co. for two weeks throughout the school year.
After high school, Bob went to work at the Bank of Delaware. He then worked at General Foods Corp. in Newark, DE, as a computer operator, where he met his future wife, Kathleen. He was then promoted to G.F. Corporate Headquarters in Rye Brook, NY, as assistant data processing manager for the division. He retired from G.F. in 1988 at age 54 and returned to Delaware.
Bob loved sports. He fell in love with fast-pitch softball and, at the age of 12, pitched his first game as a team member. He pitched for several teams throughout his softball career and eventually retired in 1981 when the game of fast-pitch was replaced with slo-pitch, which he could not tolerate. He was an excellent bowler. In retirement, he took up golf and founded the Hudson Family Golf Association (HFGA). He organized annual fall golf trips to Myrtle Beach for 20 family and friends for many years. His greatest love, however, was his family. Together with his wife, Bob planned many vacations with family. He especially loved taking the young ones to Disney World, making over 30 trips there.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kathleen; four children: Kathleen Wood of Florida, Robert G. Hudson of Elsmere, Sharon Tobens (Joseph) of Florida, and Kenneth Hudson (Deborah) of Middletown; eight grandchildren: Blaine Schrader, Laura Teitsworth, Jude Jones, Thomas Hudson, Joseph Tobens, Kenneth Hudson Jr., Mark Hudson, and Mollie Denham; as well as 16 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Bob is also survived by a sister, Joan Geesaman, and brothers Kenneth Hudson (Patricia) and Richard Hudson (Pamela).
He is predeceased by his parents, Ivah and Helen Hudson; brother John Hudson; and sister Shirley Jester.
Family and friends are invited to visit at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3710 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, on Thursday, January 15, from 9:30–10:30 a.m. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow the service at Gracelawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bob may be made to Christ the Cornerstone Church, 6 N. Clifton Ave., Wilmington, DE 19805, or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306.
For online condolences, please visit: mccreryandharra.com
