Hadley, MA – Robert “Bob” Alexander Massey, 75, of Hadley, Massachusetts, passed away on May 22, 2026. He was born on January 4, 1951, in Northampton, Massachusetts, the son of Alferetta Massey and the beloved brother of James Massey.
He was raised in Northampton, where he and his brother learned early the meaning of hard work, quiet perseverance, and showing up – lessons that would define every chapter of his life. He went on to serve his country as a United States Marine during the Vietnam era, carrying the discipline and character of that service with him long after he came home. He and his brother answered their country’s call during one of its most divisive chapters, and they did so without hesitation, without fanfare, and without ever asking for recognition in return.
Bob built a distinguished career in banking, beginning at Amherst Savings Bank, continuing at Heritage Bank, and culminating as Chief Financial Officer of Hampden Bank – a career built the same way he built everything else in his life, one step at a time, one day at a time.
He was a devoted husband, a Scout leader, a Little League coach, and the kind of father who never missed a game or an opportunity to help his kids out, no matter how old they got. Just being there was never a burden for him, whether it was clocking out early to get to his kids’ extracurriculars on time or driving halfway across the country to help his son move – he always showed up for the people he loved.
Our father was a devoted Red Sox fan, even during the years when it was especially hard to be one. He shared that love of baseball with us early, teaching us how to score games, coaching us through Little League, and helping us learn how to handle both wins and losses-and we lost a lot of games back then! Looking back, though, the memory is just one of a man that always showed up – our father was coaching us in far more than baseball; he was showing us how to live a life that leaves a legacy.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Elaine, whom he married on November 18, 1978; his brother, James Massey; his four children, Marc, Scott, Rob, and Kristin; and his grandchildren, Sara, Katie, Jason, Keith, Landon, Braiden, Colton, Dakota, and Reese.
He came from very little and built a life better than the one he was given, passing that life – without hesitation and without complaint – to everyone he loved. By any measure, our father was a mountain of a man, and he loved us all with a grace we will spend the rest of our lives trying to earn.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Michael J. Fox Foundation at Michaeljfox.org, or to Western Massachusetts Council- Scouting America at wmascouting.org.
Services for Robert are private and at the convenience of the family. Please go to Czelusniakfuneralhome.com for online condolences and tribute book.
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