Robert "Pop" Daniel Hruz, Sr. 

Beloved Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather, Uncle, Brother and friend to all Robert Daniel Hruz Sr. peacefully passed away on November 23, 2025 in Belair, MD at the age of 93. Bob was born on August 30, 1932 in Baltimore, MD to the late Stephen and Helen Hruz and pre-deceased by his wife, Clara Joan Hruz. 

Bob and his nine siblings enjoyed a loving home filled with the many traditions of their Polish, German, Czech and Catholic backgrounds. The Vesper Avenue family home was filled with music (mostly Elvis), delectable food, and gigantic family gatherings. Delighted by his upbringing, Pop left us with a million heart-warming stories of his relationships and family life during the Great Depression and beyond. He often said, "I could write a book!" 

After graduating from Dundalk High School, Bob proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. Stationed in Arizona, New Mexico and twice in Greenland he talks about playing on the Air Force Volleyball Team and choosing to serve a second tour to be with his "brothers in arms". On one of his leaves, Bob met the love of his life at his best friend's wedding. It was love at first jitter-bug and three months later, on June 30, 1956, they were married at Sacred Heart of Mary Church in Dundalk. 

Following in his father's footstep, in more than one way, Bob went to work at Bethlehem Steel where eventually he became the Head of Tin Mill Production and Scheduling. During those years, he reclaimed his youth-filled "love of the game" and played softball for the company team. Uniquely and amazingly, Bob played softball until he was 80 and was honored by being inducted into both the Maryland and National Softball Hall of Fame. He and his teams won multiple Senior World Series and he was still in touch with some of his teammates. 

Bob and Joan made their home in Harford County, Maryland where they raised their children and happily grew old together. His love of family and friends and kindness to strangers is well known. He was everyone's Dad. 

Bob was also "famous" for collecting...everything. His brothers, especially Pat, and he made a career out of the "art of the find" and from glassware to collections of records they buddied up on many a deal. Something he enjoyed that the family also loved was the beach. Ocean City, MD and Topsail Island, NC held special places in his heart. He body-surfed with his grandchildren and children to a ripe old age. He loved crabbing and imparted the "down, under, and dip" technique of crabbing to his children and grandchildren. Even to the end, he always hoped to get his toes wet in the Atlantic Ocean one more time. 

Pop loved the Orioles (when they were winning) and the Baltimore Colts (in the day) and wouldn't miss a Ravens' game on the television even up to his last week of life. He loved doo-wop, rockabilly, and some good ole Jimmy Buffet. He could be seen dancing in the halls or in his room at Sterling Care, by his many friends and those who worked there, to Rod Stewart. The man loved life. He 

welcomed the stranger, he gave until it hurt, he defended the defenseless. If you suffered, he suffered along with you. His children and grandchildren and greatgrandchildren were his greatest joy. He adored his nieces and nephews. But when all is said and done, let this be the thing we remember, his love for everyone ran so, very deep and God was his strength. 

Viewings will be at Connelly Funeral Home of Dundalk

7110 Sollers Point Rd, Dundalk, MD 21222 

 Monday, December 1st from 2:00 - 4:00 and 6:00 - 8:00. 

The Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 

at Sacred Heart of Mary, 6736 Youngstown Avenue, Dundalk, MD 21222 

Gravesite burial to follow at St. Stanislaus Cemetery.