Dr. Robert Harvey Langworthy
Sep 29, 1946 -
Nov 25, 2024
Doctor Robert Harvey Langworthy died on Nov. 25, 2024, from a stroke.
Robert, better known as "Bob," leaves behind the love of his life, RoseMarie, his wife of 52 years, and his sister, Sharon. Bob was 78 years old.
Bob grew up in San Diego, Calif., and graduated from Kearney High School in 1964, surprisingly because he was specializing in truancy. Bob was in the Air Force and spent time in Pakistan and Turkey.
Bob's family came to America from England in the 1600s, and comes from a long line of educated people. Bob's great-grandfather was Colonel and Brigadier General Sylvanus Thayer, known was the "father of the military academy" West Point, N.Y. At West Point, there is a Thayer Hotel and a large statue of Colonel Thayer that Bob proudly stood next to. Bob's family actually traveled west in a covered wagon to Northern California. Bob's grandfather was a mountain man and had gold claims in Northern California.
After Bob's Air Force service he went to Utah State University and met the love of his life, RoseMarie Long; they had a wonderful and exciting life together. They traveled through all 50 states together and spent time camping at the National Parks in the west. One of the highlights of their marriage was a trip to Rome and Florence, Italy, for their 45 anniversary.
Bob received a master's degree at Mankato State College and a doctorate from S.U.N.Y at Albany, N.Y. Bob's dissertation was on police organizations, titled "The Formal Structure of Municipal Police Organization," which received an award from S.U.N.Y at Albany and was later published.
Bob went on to co-author five books: "Policing in America, A Balance of Forces," editions I, II, III, I, which he co-authored with Larry Travis; and "Older Offenders, Perspectives in Criminology and Criminal Justice." Bob wrote over 30 articles that were published in 15 criminal justice journals.
Bob spent time as the Director of the National Institute of Justice in Washington, D.C. Bob was an associate professor at the University of Alabama Birmingham, and a full professor at the University of Cincinnati. Bob was Chair and Research Director at University of Alaska Anchorage, and the Chair of the Criminal Justice Department at the University of Central Florida.
Bob enjoyed spending summers in Alaska, fishing and reading. Bob was a bright man and had a good sense of humor. Bob had a friendly way about him that attracted others to him. Bob will be greatly missed, but his contribution in criminal justice will live on.
Bob, when I first met you in 1971, in Utah, you wanted to teach geography, have your summers off and make $20,000 a year. I think we had a good run in the last 52 years and I will see you in heaven – wait for me.
Please don't send flowers, but make a donation to your local paramedics and firemen or hospice. A celebration of life was held at Palmer Legends Country Club on Jan. 25, 2024, and 48 people showed up from eight different states.
