Robert Messer

1925 - 2021

Robert Messer

Bernardston, MA —

Robert Calvin Messer, 96, passed away Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, with his loving family at his side. Bob was born in Bernardston on March 13, 1925, son of William E. and Gladys (Cranson) Messer. He attended schools in Bernardston, graduating from Powers Institute in 1942, then served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. He was in the Atlantic Theatre on the USS Hubbard Destroyer Escort 211, and in the Pacific Theatre on Guam and Okinawa with the 81st Construction Battalion and Military Government. He attained the rank of Pharmacist's Mate First Class. He was proud of his service and loved to wear his WW II Veteran's hat when he was out and about.

After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Bob attended University of Massachusetts, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1950. That same summer he married Rachel Newton, and they enjoyed nearly 65 years together until her death in 2015.

Bob worked for Western Massachusetts Electric Company for 37 years until his retirement in 1987. During that time he was active in the IBEW union. He was involved with the Bernardston community as member of the Zoning Board, Conservation Commissioner, Boy Scout Leader, Little League and Pony League Coach and Director, American Legion Commander, and Kiwanis President and Secretary. Each summer he vacationed with his family at York Beach and Nubble Light, Maine. He enjoyed following the New England sports teams, and spent many years watching the Red Sox Spring Training at Winter Haven and Fort Myers, Florida, with Rachie. He was an avid golfer, was a member of the Northfield Golf Club for many years, and continued to play regularly until he was 94 years old. He loved caring for his yard, especially his beautiful rose garden. In recent years he enjoyed spending time with friends at the Bernardston Senior Center and Vets Club.

Bob had a strong faith in God and trusted Jesus for his eternal salvation. He loved attending church and listening to Christian music and programming on radio station WLPV of Greenfield.

Bob was predeceased by his wife Rachel in 2015, and his daughter Jeanette in 1983. He leaves his son Donald Messer and his wife Pam of Gill, his granddaughter Jenny Messer and her fiancé Mark Blais of Norton, his grandson Nathan Messer of Leyden, and his great-grandchildren Eli Messer and Aaliyah DelRosso. He also leaves his siblings: William Messer and wife Patricia, Jean McComb and husband William, David Messer and wife Constance, and Frederick Messer and wife Sue, and many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister June Kratz and her husband Robert.

Services will be at Kidder Funeral Home in Northfield on Thursday, May 20 at 2:00 p.m., followed by burial at Center Cemetery in Bernardston with full military honors. A calling hour will be held from 1:00 p.m. until service time.

Donations in Bob's memory may be made to Bernardston Senior Center at 20 Church Street, Bernardston MA 01337, or Bernardston Kiwanis at PO Box 873, c/o Dan Devine, Bernardston, MA 01337.

For directions or to send condolences please visit www.kidderfuneralhome.com.