Bob Hastings, of 'McHale's Navy,' Passes Away

Robert "Bob" Francis Hastings Sr., best known for portraying the character of Lt. Elroy Carpenter in "McHale's Navy," has passed away. He was 89.

Hastings lost a 15-year battle to prostate cancer.

He started his career in radio at age 11, and by the time of his death, had over 100 roles in radio, acting, and voice-over credits to his name. In addition to "McHale's Navy," Hastings has appeared in "All in the Family" and "General Hospital," and played Dr. Bob Hughes on "As The World Turns" for decades.

"He loved his craft. We learned that from him: You have to love what you do," said son Michael, a former Burbank mayor.

Hastings was born in Brooklyn, the third son of Hazel Mae Kirk and Charles Benedict Hastings Sr. He met his wife Joan when the two were teenagers, and married in 1948. The two lived in New York for a time, and then moved to Burbank.

Hastings also served in World War II as a navigator on B-29's and was a lifelong Los Angeles Dodgers fan, according to his obituary.

The actor was given only a few days to live after he recently recieved care from Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center and the Disney Family Cancer Center.

However he lived for nearly nine more weeks, showing a zest for life that son Michael noted was typical of his father.