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Robert Tyer Obituary
Visit the Forastiere Smith Funeral Home & Cremation - East Longmeadow website to view the full obituary.
In Loving Memory of Robert E. Tyer
Beloved Friend, Faithful Servant, and Steward of Beauty and Compassion
July 2, 1941 – July 29, 2025
Springfield, Massachusetts
Robert E. Tyer, age 84, passed away peacefully at his home on July 29, 2025. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, on July 2, 1941, Bob was the cherished son of the late Edward J. and Julia Rita (Corliss) Tyer.
A lifelong resident of Springfield, Bob attended Holy Name Grammar School and Cathedral High School before earning a Bachelor of Science degree from American International College.
He began a distinguished career in retail in 1962 as a Sales Manager for Albert Steiger Co. He went on to serve as Divisional Merchandise Manager at Jordan Marsh from 1965 to 1978, and later as Assistant Store Manager for Gimbel Brothers Inc. in New York City from 1978 to 1980.
Following a successful global business career, Bob returned to Springfield in the early 1980s to care for his beloved Aunt Marie. During this time, he founded his own interior design company from his home on Hartford Terrace-a creative endeavor that reflected his refined aesthetic and devotion to beauty.
Bob rejoined Holy Cross Parish, where he had been a founding member, and soon became an integral part of the parish community. He served faithfully on the Parish Pastoral Council, the Spiritual Life Commission, and countless committees, where his gifts of organization and artistic vision enriched every endeavor. Most notably, he led the church's decorating efforts for nearly four decades, transforming sacred spaces-especially at Christmas and Easter-into breathtaking expressions of spiritual beauty.
In 2005, Bob joined the second JustFaith group at Holy Cross, a thirty-week program rooted in Catholic Social Teaching. His commitment to faith and justice only deepened as he went on to facilitate numerous JustFaith groups over 18 years, guiding more than 300 parishioners through transformative journeys of discipleship.
His love for the marginalized was perhaps most visible in the Sandwiches for the Homeless Ministry, which he helped found in 2006. Since then, the ministry has delivered over 400,000 sandwiches to Springfield's homeless community. Week after week, Bob lovingly prepared sandwiches-quietly, faithfully, and with great care.
He was also a founding member of the Springfield Campaign Nonviolence and was widely recognized for his impact. In 2015, he was honored in A Circle of Stewards by the Diocese of Springfield, and in 2019, he received the Pope Pius X Award for his work with JustFaith.
Bob is survived by his devoted sister, Judith Worrall of Newberg, Oregon; his loving niece, Joanna Voss and her husband Tad Voss of Newberg; his cherished great-nieces, Abby Catt of Houston, Texas, and Emma Voss of Newberg; and his great-nephews, Hayden Catt of Houston, and Neil Voss of Phoenix, Arizona.
Bob will be remembered most for his gentle kindness, gracious hospitality, and unwavering love for all. He was an anchor in our community-welcoming, wise, and endlessly generous with his time, heart, and presence.
He loved and welcomed everyone. And in doing so, he transformed our lives.
May he rest in peace.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Cross Sandwich Ministry, 221 Plumtree Road, Springfield, Massachusetts, 01118.
Beloved Friend, Faithful Servant, and Steward of Beauty and Compassion
July 2, 1941 – July 29, 2025
Springfield, Massachusetts
Robert E. Tyer, age 84, passed away peacefully at his home on July 29, 2025. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, on July 2, 1941, Bob was the cherished son of the late Edward J. and Julia Rita (Corliss) Tyer.
A lifelong resident of Springfield, Bob attended Holy Name Grammar School and Cathedral High School before earning a Bachelor of Science degree from American International College.
He began a distinguished career in retail in 1962 as a Sales Manager for Albert Steiger Co. He went on to serve as Divisional Merchandise Manager at Jordan Marsh from 1965 to 1978, and later as Assistant Store Manager for Gimbel Brothers Inc. in New York City from 1978 to 1980.
Following a successful global business career, Bob returned to Springfield in the early 1980s to care for his beloved Aunt Marie. During this time, he founded his own interior design company from his home on Hartford Terrace-a creative endeavor that reflected his refined aesthetic and devotion to beauty.
Bob rejoined Holy Cross Parish, where he had been a founding member, and soon became an integral part of the parish community. He served faithfully on the Parish Pastoral Council, the Spiritual Life Commission, and countless committees, where his gifts of organization and artistic vision enriched every endeavor. Most notably, he led the church's decorating efforts for nearly four decades, transforming sacred spaces-especially at Christmas and Easter-into breathtaking expressions of spiritual beauty.
In 2005, Bob joined the second JustFaith group at Holy Cross, a thirty-week program rooted in Catholic Social Teaching. His commitment to faith and justice only deepened as he went on to facilitate numerous JustFaith groups over 18 years, guiding more than 300 parishioners through transformative journeys of discipleship.
His love for the marginalized was perhaps most visible in the Sandwiches for the Homeless Ministry, which he helped found in 2006. Since then, the ministry has delivered over 400,000 sandwiches to Springfield's homeless community. Week after week, Bob lovingly prepared sandwiches-quietly, faithfully, and with great care.
He was also a founding member of the Springfield Campaign Nonviolence and was widely recognized for his impact. In 2015, he was honored in A Circle of Stewards by the Diocese of Springfield, and in 2019, he received the Pope Pius X Award for his work with JustFaith.
Bob is survived by his devoted sister, Judith Worrall of Newberg, Oregon; his loving niece, Joanna Voss and her husband Tad Voss of Newberg; his cherished great-nieces, Abby Catt of Houston, Texas, and Emma Voss of Newberg; and his great-nephews, Hayden Catt of Houston, and Neil Voss of Phoenix, Arizona.
Bob will be remembered most for his gentle kindness, gracious hospitality, and unwavering love for all. He was an anchor in our community-welcoming, wise, and endlessly generous with his time, heart, and presence.
He loved and welcomed everyone. And in doing so, he transformed our lives.
May he rest in peace.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Cross Sandwich Ministry, 221 Plumtree Road, Springfield, Massachusetts, 01118.
Forastiere Smith Funeral Home & Cremation - East Longmeadow
220 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028
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