WESTFIELD – Robert W. McNeil, 67, (1953-2020) of Westfield, MA., passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 19, 2020, after battling complications from treatment of prostate cancer. He was the youngest child of the late George F. McNeil, Sr. and Anna Yefko McNeil of Westfield, MA. He was born in Westfield, resided there with his sister Marilyn, and graduated from Westfield Vocational Technical High School in 1963. He completed computer coursework at Westfield State University, worked at local civil engineering jobs, and helped his brother-in-law Rick at Gateway Auto and Farm Supply in Huntington, MA. Before his retirement, he was last employed at the former Texon, Inc. in Russell, MA. Robbie is known to certain family and friends as “Burger Bob” for his love of hamburgers. He was an avid reader, a NY Yankees fan, and an enthusiast of aviation, drag racing, astronomy, and international soccer. Robbie was a quiet man with a witty sense of humor and playful grin. He had a Facebook presence and posted his signature “thumbs-up.” In his early years, Robbie enjoyed little league baseball, cross country skiing, trips to the Adirondacks, and golf. With his brother George, he hiked the mountains and floated the Salmon River in Idaho. During his last 8 summers, Robbie took great joy in traveling to Idaho to camp in the wilderness along the Lochsa River where he made many new Idaho friends, spotted bald eagles, and took walks with Watson, his sister Barbara’s dog. He delighted in sitting around the campfire, savoring rum and cokes, and stargazing in Idaho’s dark skies. He enjoyed Idaho’s hot springs, relaxing at the mountain cabin in High Valley, and attending Westfield’s 350th Year Celebration in 2019. Seeing the Sputnik 1 satellite fly over his backyard in 1957 sparked his interest in outer space and astronomy. He witnessed the first moon walk and the 2017 Great Total Solar Eclipse in Idaho. During the Eclipse celebration, Robbie had a great time helping friends with safe viewing, identifying the stages of totality, and toasting his brother-in-law Harry’s birthday. When at home, Robbie loved his cats, Buster and Gracie, and watched the nightly episode of Jeopardy. He kept a special soft spot in his heart for his Idaho dogs, Watson and Cody.
Robbie is survived by his sister Marilyn, sister Judi and brother-in-law Rick Dugre (FL.), sister Barbara and brother-in-law Harold Miller (ID.), sister-in law Jean (CO.), niece Kaitlin (CO.), nephew Dylan (VT), and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, George F. McNeil, Jr. From afar and at home, Robbie was loved by his family, friends, and furry ones. He will be remembered each time we look up and see the moon and the amazing stars. A celebration of Robbie’s life and an internment will take place later this year with arrangements through Firtion Adams Funeral Home in Westfield. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to your local animal shelter or the American Cancer Society. Special thanks to the nurses/staff at Heritage Hall North in Agawam, especially the D Wing nurses Kaitlyn and Peggy who comforted Robbie in his final hours. Thank you to the dedicated medical and nursing personnel at Baystate Hospice and at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA.
