Robert C. Dufford, "Bob", of Hermitage, died Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009, in his home of acute myeloid leukemia. He was 80.

Mr. Dufford was born Oct. 3, 1929, in Sharon to Andrew C. and M a r t h a Smelko Dufford.

He graduated from Hickory High School, Hermitage, in 1947 and started working at the former Sharon Transformer Division of Westinghouse Electric Corp.

He married the former Sally Glaser on May 31, 1951. She survives at home. Four months later, he was inducted into the Army and spent 18 months in Austria. After his discharge, Bob went back to work at Westinghouse as a coil winder and enrolled at Youngstown State University. He graduated in 1962, taking six months off to build the house he still lived in. He then worked for New Departure in Sandusky, Ohio, as a junior engineer. In 1964, he accepted a position with Olin-Mathison in Alton, Ill. In 1966, he returned to Sharon Westinghouse as a manufacturing engineer, working there until the plant closed. He then worked as a consulting engineer in Puerto Rico; Charleston, S.C.; South Boston, Va.; Muncie, Ind.; and Juarez, Mexico, among other places.

He belonged to the SWEA and was a union steward. At one time, Bob was active in the Pymatuning Power Squadron, serving in many capacities including commander. In earlier years, he enjoyed sailing on his 30-foot sloop, Salacia, along with his wife. They cruised Lake Erie, Erie Barge Canal, Chesapeake Bay and Inter Coastal Water Way. A staunch Democrat, Bob enjoyed politics and working on his computer. He liked all sports, especially the New York Yankees, of which he was a 70-year fan, and Duke basketball. He was a skilled craftsman in the building trades and could fix anything. He was always ready to help others. Bob enjoyed traveling and, along with his wife, visited all 50 states and most of Canada.

Besides his wife of 58 years, he is survived by: his daughter, Connie Dufford, wife of Michael Versaci, Marietta, Ga.; three sons, Richard Dufford and his wife Linda, Sharpsville; Stanley Dufford and his wife Rose, Hermitage; and Gary Dufford and his companion Donna Brodish, Sharpsville; six grandchildren who spent most of their vacations with him, Twila Kolberg, Emma McConnell and George McConnell III, all Georgia; and Morgan Dufford, Garrett Dufford and Lindsey Dufford, all Michigan; and eight stepgrandchildren. Also surviving him is his sister, Carol Graham and her husband Francis, Sharpsville. In addition, he is survived by his sister- and brothers-in-law, to whom he was like a big brother: Carol Glaser and her companion John Donaldson, Pulaski; James Glaser and his wife Palma, Hermitage; Ronald Glaser, Brookfield; Dale Glaser, Sharon; William Glaser, Harrisburg; Richard Glaser and his wife Marcia, Sharon; and Robert Glaser and his wife Faith, Indian Trail, N.C.; as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Constance Ann Dufford; and a sister, Shirley Peters.

Calling hours and service: In keeping with Robert's wishes, cremation will take place and there will be no calling hours or services.

Arrangements by J. BRADLEY Mc-GONIGLE FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY Inc., 1090 E. State St.,Sharon.