Robert Clinton "Bob" McCutcheon

1919 - 2016

WILLIAMSBURG - Robert "Bob" Clinton McCutcheon, born March 16, 1919, in Greenfield, son to Claudius and Olga Larsen McCutcheon, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016.

Bob's father was an engineer with the Connecticut River Railroad (B & M), which provided rail service through Deerfield on tracks nearby the McCutcheon homestead... which explains Bob's lifetime interest in trains.

Bob graduated from the nearby Deerfield Academy in 1938 and went on to attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst where he graduated in 1942.

His first job was at Pratt and Whitney in Hartford, Connecticut, but he soon joined General Electric Co. in the human resource department of GE in Holyoke. That is where he met Katherine Agnes Cullen shortly thereafter, and they married in 1950.

Kay was an independent and feisty girl from a large Cullen family of five girls and three boys. Bob had found his lifetime love and partner. The couple bought a 1700's era farmhouse on 40 acres in Williamsburg, as their first home, reflecting their mutual and lifelong love of antiques. They never farmed... but did produce five wonderful children and enjoyed 63 years of marriage before Kay passed in 2013.

Bob's career with GE progressed steadily, becoming a manager of human resources, during relocation from Holyoke to Pittsfield, and finally to Syracuse, New York. One of his first assignments was as the "Company Companion" to actor then Ronald Reagan during Reagan's few days alone at the Holyoke Plant promoting the GE Playhouse television series. A funny and interesting story, as told by Bob, providing positive insight to our then- future President.

Bob's life was centered on his family and his job at GE. The Williamsburg farm offered many opportunities for healthy outdoor fun, and the family often vacationed by camping on Cape Cod. He was also an active member of the GE Elfun Society, a somewhat exclusive social club for GE management. He was part of the school board and water board while living in Williamsburg and was also a longtime Mason.

Bob and Kay eventually retired to West Barnstable where they enjoyed many happy years. On a pond, bird watching, with Cape Cod railroad tracks running through the property, the rumble of trains and blasts of the train whistles did not keep Bob awake, they calmed him and brought back fond memories.

Bob's love of reading, especially mysteries, made him a perfect fit to serve on the board of the West Barnstable Wheldon Memorial Library.

Bob is survived by his five children and their spouses, David and his wife Lisa of Florence, John and his wife Lisa of Haverhill, Karen and her husband Fred of Wilmington, North Carolina, Rob and his wife Julie of Lyme, New Hampshire, and Paul and his wife Marchele of Westhampton. Bob also leaves nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Bob McCutcheon will be remembered for his dry humor, warm personality and good sense, his professionalism and his loyalty to friends and most, for his love of family. He has been lucky enough to have a very long healthy and fulfilling life while surrounded by a large and loving family. God Bless you, Bob. May your spirit find Peace and Joy with Kay in Heaven.

The McCutcheon family would like to thank the Rockridge Staff, Cooley Dickinson VNA/Hospice and all the other healthcare providers that assisted these past few years. We are very grateful.

The Czelusniak Funeral Home of Northampton is entrusted with arrangements.

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