Search by Name

Search by Name

Robert "Tommy" Akey

Robert "Tommy" Akey obituary, Greenfield, MA

FUNERAL HOME

Kostanski Funeral Home, Inc. - Greenfield

220 Federal Street

Greenfield, Massachusetts

UPCOMING SERVICE

Visitation

Aug. 31, 2025

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Kostanski Funeral Home

Send Flowers

Robert Akey Obituary

Robert T. "Tommy" Akey, 71, of Greenfield, passed away at home on Monday, August 25, 2025. He was born in Greenfield on May 11, 1954. He graduated from Greenfield High School and made Greenfield his lifelong home. He worked as an insurance rep in the family business, Akey Insurance, and later held roles with Coca-Cola and the Greenfield Recorder. Those who knew Tommy will remember his kindness, love of the outdoors, and ability to turn a simple drive into an adventure. Known for striking up conversations with anyone and beloved by his neighbors, he found joy in small things like good chats, a tidy garden, and a Saturday drive. His happiest moments were with family traveling to the White Mountains, and enjoying every season through fishing, camping, gardening, and birdwatching. Fond memories include leading his son on a winter hike behind their home, tracking wild turkeys through a blizzard, and kindling a small fire. Quick trips to New Hampshire for a pack of smokes, and visits to the Vermont Country Store for pulled pork were among his favorite escapes. An early riser with a soft spot for a fresh bagel and coffee, Tommy also loved music, especially the Rolling Stones, and never missed a chance to browse tag sales and antique shops in search of treasures. A lifelong fan of baseball and bowling, he bowled multiple perfect games and cherished taking his son, Ross, to Red Sox and Angels games. Among his survivors, he leaves his son, Ross T. Akey of Greenfield; his stepdaughter, Kayla Joseph of Lowell; four sisters, Kathy Wilkins (Bruce), Carole Akey, Anne Schwartzman (Hayim), and Nancy Robie (Paul); two brothers, David Akey (Ann) and Daniel Akey (Pam); and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Karla Akey (née Izdebski), in 2002, and by his parents, Clifford J. and Ruth (Koch) Akey. Calling hours will be held Sunday, August 31, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. at Kostanski Funeral Home in Greenfield. Cremation will be private, and his ashes will be scattered in New Bedford, beside his wife Karla, and at Ten Mile Bridge, where he spent time with his friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Tommy's memory to Catholic Charities, LifePath (Meals on Wheels), or Fresenius Kidney Care Yankee Family. For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert "Tommy" Akey, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Franklin County Now on Aug. 26, 2025.

Memorial Events
for Robert Akey

Aug

31

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Kostanski Funeral Home

220 Federal St., Greenfield, MA 01301

Funeral services provided by:

Kostanski Funeral Home, Inc. - Greenfield

220 Federal Street, Greenfield, MA 01301

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Akey

Not sure what to say?





1 Entry

Chris Jacobs

Yesterday

RIP Tom. I remember our GHS days. You had a great sense of humor and also a good baseball player. Always a smile and a story. RIP

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in Robert Akey's name

How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Robert Akey's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more