Robert J. Bready

1938 - 2026

Robert J Bready
06/26/1938 - 01/19/2026
Monson, MA
Robert Joseph Bready, of Monson, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, at Life Care Center of Wilbraham, surrounded by his daughter, Kristal, who was his caregiver. He was 87 years old. Robert was born in Springfield on June 26, 1938, the son of the late Joseph and Lillian (Nash) Bready. He was raised in Springfield, and a graduate of the Springfield school system. Robert had an honorable discharge from the United States Army in 1962. He continued his education at Western New England College, where he earned his bachelor's degree in engineering. After graduating from college, he met his wife and moved to Somers, CT where they made their first home. They raised their children in Ware, MA. While living in Ware, he served on the police department as a special police officer and was the tax assessor for several years. Robert was employed for many years as a Senior Project Manager with the Physical Plant at UMass Amherst, where he was known for his dedication, professionalism, and strong work ethic. In 2000, he and his wife retired on the Cape where his love for golf took off. Robert was also an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan. After his wife, Roberta, passed away he moved back up to Monson to be near his daughter, which is where he met his girlfriend, Shirley, and spent many years with her. In his free time, Robert enjoyed golfing and playing bluegrass music with his cousin, Pat. He also found simple joy in the occasional scratch ticket. He was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge where he was a past master of Eden Lodge, an organization that held special meaning to him. He was a member of the Shriners Hospital and served on the director's staff. In addition to his parents, Robert was predeceased by his beloved wife, Roberta J. (Rice) Bready, his two brothers, Richard and Joseph Bready, and his girlfriend, Shirley Conners. He is survived by his two daughters, Kristal S. Bready and her fiancé, Billy Manegre of Monson and Sharon Carey of Skokie, IL, his five grandchildren, Lily, Matthew and Sean Carey ("The Trips") and Jacob and Travis Rock, his former son-in-law, Dan Carey (Terri) of Sturtevant, Wisconsin, he also leaves his cat, Cecil at home, along with extended family and friends who will miss him dearly. His daughter, Kristal, would like to thank the staff at Lifecare Center for the endless phone calls and support throughout his time there. She would also like to thank all the staff at D'amour Cancer Center, including Gary, who was the chocolate dealer for "Chocolate Bob". Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield, MA., followed by Masonic Service and Funeral Home Service. A private burial will be held at a later date in Hillcrest Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.