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Robert Speth Obituary
Deerfield, MA - Robert Neal Speth of Lower Road in Deerfield, died October 10th after a period of illness. He was the adoring husband of Amy Hamilton Speth, proud father to his two daughters Celia and Victoria, loving son of Dr. Robert and Diann (Kuzmeskus) Speth, and brother to Allison Speth Randall.
Robert was best known for his jovial and affable personality. He lived his life with flourish, enthusiasm and passion. A gifted musician, especially piano and guitar, one could not watch him play without smiling at his intensity and joy. He played in local bands, including Benny Lava, Letourneau & Speth, and often provided entertainment for wedding receptions, restaurants, and art openings.
He was devoted to his family and loved being a husband, father and uncle. He enjoyed spending his summer vacation at his family home on the coast of Maine surrounded by generations of family members. He took great pleasure in being outdoors, hiking, biking, skiing, and especially loved walking his two Westies, Stewie and Lily. He was very proud to have recently joined the elite 4,000 Footer Club, having climbed all Fourty-Eight 4,000 foot mountains in New Hampshire with his best friend Jay Letourneau.
He enjoyed working in the yard and in the many beautiful gardens that he and Amy created together. He poured his heart into his home and was an exceptional and talented cook. One could not visit his home without enjoying an original and aromatic dish he generously shared.
Robert was a graduate of Greenfield High School, class of '82, received his B.S. from UMASS in Land/Environment Resource Management, and his M.A. in Landscape Design from the Conway School of Landscape Design. He served the community in a variety of roles including the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, the Recreational Resource Metropolitan District Commission, and served as Zoning Administrator in Manchester, VT. He ran his own business, Land Design Associates, for a number of years, before taking on a range of positions at Hardigg Industries, now Pelican Corporation in Deerfield, MA.
In addition to his immediate family, Robert leaves behind many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends who fondly remember and miss him. He loved staying connected to his many Kuzmeskus aunts, uncles, and cousins, who together share the legacy of many wonderful experiences at his grandparents' family farm, as well as family get-togethers and jovial holiday parties.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Hawks & Reed on Main Street in Greenfield, Saturday, December 17th from 2:00 to 5:00pm with a service starting at 2:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Robert's name to the Hospice of the Fisher Home, 1165 North Pleasant St., Amherst, MA 01002 or online at [email protected]
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Speth
Chris McGinty
February 21, 2025
I am just seeing this after talking with a mutual friend about Bob. or Bog as I knew him when I worked with him at the MDC at Beaver brook. in the late 80's I am in shock. What a talented and great guy he was. I did talked to him years ago when he was at Pelican but time goes by and you move off in different directions with family and Jobs. I googled him and saw him in a concert at Tilton library in 2018 and then googled more and I am deeply saddened to hear that he passed. I will always remember him for his talent. I had gotten him a gig for a Wedding shower at my Freinds house in Belmont. They had a baby grand piano and had it tuned before he showed up to play. It was Christmas time and he played all christmas Carols and any requests with no sheet music. I lent him a Tux shirt and Jacket for the occasion. It will always be a fond memory for me.
Again my deepest condolances for such a good person.
C. McGinty
Andrew Martin
June 10, 2024
Bob was a classmate of mine at Eaglebrook school. I really liked him. We were fast friends with no effort. An enjoyable and eclectic person to be around. He was Good company and a good friend. I'm sure I speak for all 'Brookies-Class-of-'78 - We miss Bob. Wish he'd joined the military and gotten out of MA like I did. The world is huge and a Brookie is Forever! God Bless you Bob.
Julie Brown
January 28, 2023
Amy, I am now just hearing of Robert´s passing and would like to express my deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Laura Freedman
January 10, 2023
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Bob´s passing. We were very good friends my year at Eaglebrook. His frenetic energy, sense of adventure, great sense of humor and loyal friendship were an important part of my Eaglebrook experience. We spent a good afternoon together in 2003 when I was back in town for our 25th reunion. He shall be missed. My deepest condolences to his family and the many who loved him. - Laura (Larry) Freedman
Alice Manica
December 20, 2022
Dear Amy and family,
I am so sad and shocked to hear today of your dear Robert's passing. I was not aware of his health issues and am so sorry you have to deal with this great loss. I remember attending your wedding and many happy social events at your home with the Surgery crew. Take one day at a time may your happy memories be a blessing . Hugs and sincere sympathy, Alice
John Merrigan
December 17, 2022
The first time I went to hang out at his house, he blew me away when he sat down at the piano and played so beautifully and with such intensity, I think we were in second grade.
Always full of life's passion and so incredibly interested in everything that surrounded him. RIP Bob.
My sincerest condolences to Amy, his daughters and to his family.
Sue, Sean, Hunter, and Avery Keller
November 23, 2022
Sending much love to Amy and the girls-Robert was so much fun at soccer and basketball games, and Hunter always enjoyed visiting Tori´s home. His smile and laugh were contagious-in the good way! Sending Love and Light for comfort and healing and peace
Mark McCloskey
November 22, 2022
`Bog´ ,as we all knew him back in Gorman Dormitory days at U Mass. was an incredible motivator to go out and seize the day!
A positive and uplifting soul that could get you to smile and laugh on your worst of days.
An amazing intellectual that could hold the best and most engaging of conversations, and a wonderful musician!
Memories of beautiful autumn days hiking and playing on Mt. Monadnock, pelting each other during tomato wars, sitting back and just listening to music and talking...a colorful, engaged, creative, intelligent, strong, enthusiastic and kind soul!
Rest peaceful my long ago friend
Melissa Renaudette
November 21, 2022
Robert was a very nice person to work with. We all are going to miss his enthusiasm. RIP my friend.
Sheila Hurst
November 19, 2022
I'll always remember Bog's absolute enthusiasm for life. He would walk down the dorm hallway at UMass and round up people for anything from an early morning hike up Mt. Monadnock to Christmas carolling in a nearby neighborhood. At the Mt. Monadnock summit, he excitedly started talking about rock formations and ended up giving us a lesson in geology. He was one of those special people who will always live in the hearts of anyone lucky enough to meet him.
Daniel Boone
November 18, 2022
I offer my condolences to Robert´s family and friends. At UMASS in the 80´s Gorman Hall 4th floor the dorm people left a name tag on his door that looked like it read "Bog" so Bog he was to us. Bog organized jams, winter group hikes up Mt. Monadnock where he was able to get city kids to winter hike. His XC ski outings at Northfield were great study breaks. Bog organized his phenomenal "Tomato Wars" day in Orchard Hill which was a highlight of many of our fall that year. RIP
Jill Nicolai Campbell
November 18, 2022
Bobby was always fun and funny. I enjoyed his smile and fun that he always seemed to have. I remember being in Honolulu, HI in 1985. Walking down the street, and we ran into one another, laughed, chatted laughed some more, and parted ways. My condolences to Amy and his daughters. May you find peace and joy in your memories.
Rebecca Fay
November 15, 2022
"Flourish, enthusiasm & passion" ... Better words were never written about this soul.
Rest easy Bog, your legacy lives on in every heart you touched, and there are loads of us.
The music forever plays.
George DiGregorio
November 14, 2022
The enthusiasm Robert brought to the stage was contagious and impossible to ignore. If you were watching him perform, you were having a good time. A truly dynamic personality that will be missed.
Elisa Martin
November 14, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. We were good friends at Greenfield Community College, both through the music department and through Project TEME. I have many fond memories of him and his humor and his passion for music. My deepest condolences to his family.
Sincerely,
Elisa Martin
Deena
November 14, 2022
Amy you and your family are in my thoughts & prayers. Deena
Andrew Miniuks
November 14, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I was close to Bob during primary school soon after moving to Greenfield in 1970. He was my first "best friend" in a new town and he will be missed. My deepest condolences to Amy, his daughters and to his family.
Carolyn Bellany
November 13, 2022
I am very sorry about the death of Robert and offer my deepest condolences.
Scott Crago
November 12, 2022
So sad to hear of the passing of Bob. He was a gentle soul. Great high school memories. I fondly remember hearing him practicing piano as my mother Barbara gave him piano lessons. In kindness,
Scott Crago
Kirk Woodring
November 11, 2022
Robert brought more joy to sharing music than anyone I´ve ever known. I have wonderful memories of his passion during Benny Lava rehearsals and shows. My deepest condolences to Amy, Celia, and Tori.
Rich Sallee
November 11, 2022
My deepest condolences to the family. Bob was a great guy. Playing baseball as kids and a good school mate. Sad to hear of his passing. Prayers from far away. May he rest in peace.
Joan & Tom Hamilton
November 11, 2022
Dear Amy, Celia and Tori,
We are so sorry to hear of Robert's passing.
With love,
Aunt Joan & Uncle Tom
Harriet Paine
November 11, 2022
I am so very sorry to hear of Robert´s passing....I clearly remember him as an EBS student with a quick smile and wonderful sense of humor and an inherent joy for life. I am holding his family ever so close to my heart at this difficult time.
Martha Ethier
November 11, 2022
Amy, I am so sorry to hear this. Love and sympathy to you snd your beautiful girls.
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