SOUTHWICK: Robert Berkeley Spillane 88 of Southwick MA and Palmetto, FLA died Friday May 30, 2014. He was the husband of the late Barbara Spillane. Bob was born in Hartford, CT on November 28, 1925. He was the son of the late Dr. Bernard Spillane and Grace Cook Spillane. Bob attended Avon Old Farms and Westminster School, and later went on to Michigan State and UConn to earn his degree in agricultural engineering. Upon graduation, he worked for Starline, designing barns and selling equipment to farms all over New England.
After his marriage to Barbara, they decided to raise their family on the shores of Congamond Lake in Southwick. Bob and Barbara took their family on many camping trips and his enthusiasm for camping turned into a career. Together they built a successful family business, Travel Town Trailers still located in Southwick, MA.
Bob was a proud WWII veteran who served in the Navy. Bob loved to tell stories about his adventures on the high seas as a gunners mate on the destroyer escort Carroll. Bob maintained contact with many of his navy “buddies” over the years often going to reunions and events. Bob loved music especially Rock and Roll and the Golden Oldies. He also loved the Red Sox and you could often find him watching a game with his Yorkshire Terrier, Mickey on his lap.
Bob is survived by his children, David Spillane of Southwick and Deirdre (Dede) Prisco of Hamden, CT. He also leaves three grandchildren, Erin Jane Spillane, Kari Prisco and David Prisco. He leaves a sister, Grace Mary Spillane. Calling hours at the Southwick-Forastiere Funeral Home, 624 College Highway, Southwick, MA will be on Sunday September 21, 2014 from 1:00-5:00 PM.
