Robert E. Gravel

Robert "Bob" Gravel, born on September 18, 1941, to Edna (Andrews) and Clarence Gravel, passed away on the twenty second day of May 2025, surrounded by family. He left behind a legacy of love, service, and devotion to family and community. Raised in Feeding Hills, Bob graduated from Agawam High School in 1959, joined the Navy, and served as a signalman primarily on the USS Plymouth Rock. He was one of our Nation’s top Morse Code transcribers and was called to duty for the blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He later served in the Coast Guard Reserves.

After his distinguished military service, Bob embarked on a thirty-two year career at New England Telephone and earned a degree from STCC. His dedication and leadership eventually led him to become President of the Western MA Telephone Pioneers of America, a volunteer organization serving the local area. In 1964, Bob met the love of his life, Janet (Henry) Gravel, at a record hop held at Mountain Park. They married in 1969 and raised four children: Melissa (Matt) VanHeynigen, Nicole (Josh) Gravel-Blaney, Nadine (Brian) Kleiberg, and Jonathan Gravel (Leah Stevens) in Westfield, MA. Family was his pride and joy.

Bob was a highly skilled technician, and his ability were inspired during adolescent years in the Boy Scouts where he received the highest possible rank of Eagle Scout. Some of these skills included building and restoring radios, telescopes, televisions, computers, furniture, barns, and even completing the construction of his first home.  His hobbies included HAM radio (call sign K1BUB), reading technical magazines and historical fiction, love of classic westerns and war movies, training Scout leaders and Scouts, competing in cross-country skiing, model trains, astronomy, assisting with Pinewood Derby cars for his grandchildren, and traveling extensively with Janet, visiting almost every U.S. National Park.

After retiring, Bob worked at the Westfield Athenaeum, while still making time for close friends and coffee Thursdays. Bob devoted most of his time to his grandchildren: Zachariah, Amelia, Lincoln, Beckett, Spencer, Alex, Jason, and the littlest Vivi. He cheered on his grandkids at school functions, acting as chauffeur to support busy schedules, sporting events, dance recitals, and shared his hobbies with them. One hobby occupied half of the basement; it was a large model train landscape where each grandchild had a part in creating.

Bob is survived by his aforementioned family, brother Donald Gravel, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be forever remembered for his dedication to his wife, family, and close friends. May we all live a life as rich as Bob, with a focus on love, community, and service; always with a smile.

Calling hours for Bob will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 from 4-7 PM in Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield. His Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday at 9:45 AM in St. Mary’s Church, Westfield. Burial will follow at 11 AM in Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Agawam.
 
In respect of Bob’s love for technology and learning, and in lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to CSF Westfield Dollars for Scholars with reference to “The Robert Gravel Memorial Fund.” Donations can be made via the CSF website or by mailing a check.

Electronic Donation: https://csfwestfield.dollarsforscholars.org/
Check Via Mail: CSF Westfield Dollars for Scholars (pay to), P.O. Box 382, Westfield MA 01086
 

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