Robert Joseph Gerraughty

Robert Joseph Gerraughty, 83, of Bella Vista, Arkansas died Friday, February 3, 2012 at Circle of Life Hospice – Legacy in Bentonville, Arkansas. He was born on August 30, 1928 in Newton, Massachusetts to John Gerraughty and Dorothy Moran Gerraughty. Bob was raised and educated in Massachusetts. He served in the Unites State Air Force where he participated in the Space Program, testing an early version of a high altitude pressure suit and helping to train the Mercury Astronauts. In 1953, he met and married June Wheatley at Eglin AFB, Florida. Bob received his PHD in Pharmacy from University of Connecticut in 1958. He was a Professor at the University of Rhode Island and was Dean of Pharmacy and Vice-President of Administration at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. He retired and moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas in 1991 where he enjoyed playing cards and golf, and was active at St. Bernard Catholic Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Dennis, brother, Dick and sister, Jean. He is survived by his wife, June; four sons, David Gerraughty (Seely), Andrew Gerraughty, Matthew Gerraughty, Samuel Gerraughty (Alice); one daughter, Susan Brindley (David); and three grandchildren, Brian, Bobby and Lucy. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, One St. Bernard Lane, Bella Vista, Arkansas. Arrangements are by the Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Circle of Life Hospice or the Bella Vista Library. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com