Robert Patrick Ferguson , 79, of Baltimore, Maryland, passed away on October 22, 2025, due to complications from stroke.

Born in New York City in 1946 and raised in Albany, Robert graduated from Vincentian high school in 1964. He attended Cornell University, where he majored in pre-med and played both football and baseball for the university. Though he once dreamed of patrolling center field for a major league team, he ultimately followed in his father's footsteps and pursued a career in medicine.

He earned his medical degree from Cornell in 1972. During this time, he married Diane Marie Ferguson (née Strickland). Their nearly 60-year marriage was marked by enduring partnership and devotion to their two children, Kelly and Michael, as well as the family dogs.

Early in his medical career, Robert and his young family spent a formative year in Jamaica, where he worked in rural clinics as part of a program sponsored by Cornell. Upon returning to the U.S., they settled in Hartford, Connecticut, where Robert served at Mt. Sinai Hospital—first as Chief Resident, then as Chief of Medicine for nearly 15 years.

In 1992, Robert and Diane relocated to Baltimore, where he became Chief of Medicine at Union Memorial Hospital, and they resided in Roland Park. He led the training program there for two decades, mentoring countless young physicians. He also served as Clinical Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.  In the final phase of his career, he continued teaching at Greater Baltimore Medical Center. He also published extensively and founded a journal dedicated to community medicine.

Robert's legacy is one of intellect, commitment, and quiet leadership. He was a devoted father and mentor, known for his dry wit, steady presence, and unwavering integrity.  As hobbies, he became a licensed pilot as well as an expert on the Civil War.  Friends and family also knew him for his quirks, such as his strange devotion to the obscure comedy program The Uncle Floyd Show. He was deeply loyal to the sports teams of his adopted city—the Orioles and the Ravens—and was an original season ticket holder for the Ravens, spending many days at the stadium with his son and others.

He is survived by his wife Diane Ferguson; his son Michael P. Ferguson, who is employed at the U.S. Department of State; his daughter-in-law Katherine Miller; his grandchildren Charles (21) and Greer (14); and his siblings Kate, Margaret, Brian, and Phil. He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Joan Ferguson.

A memorial reception will be held at the family home on November 22. Those who wish to attend may contact Michael Ferguson at mpfergus@hotmail.com for details.