Bob Fenton 1935-2025

On May 30, 2025, after a prolonged illness, my husband Robert (Bob) Fenton passed away at home in the loving care of his close family members.   He wrote this obituary to share his life journey.

I was born at the old, original Providence Hospital in downtown Holyoke on Feb. 2nd 1935 to Maurice and Irene (Russell) Fenton, the 3rd of their 5 children.  I was the last Fenton standing having been pre-deceased by my parents and 4 siblings, Jack, Eileen, Mary and Maurice Jr. (Ab).  I graduated from Blessed Sacrament Grammar School in 1948 and Sacred Heart High School in 1952.  I also attended Holyoke Community College until I discovered that college was not for me!  In 1955 I joined the U.S. Army for an 8-year stint—3 active and 5 inactive and I have always maintained it was the smartest thing I ever did!  After Basic training at Ft. Dix (NJ) I was sent to Ft. Sill (OK) for Artillery Survey training, then on to Ft. Knox (KY) for Artillery Fire Direction Center training. I was finally sent to Babenhausen, Germany where I spent the next 2+ years in charge of the Message and Crypto Centers for the 36th Field Artillery Group.

In 1958, after the Military, I started my business career at the Worthington Corp. in Holyoke. The next year, 1959, the Worthington decided to computerize their systems, I was selected to be the programmer for this undertaking.   This was the start of a 40-year career in the I.T. world.   After the Worthington Corp, I moved on to the American Bosch, in Springfield, and eventually was promoted to Manager of Information Systems. My 24 years at the Bosch gave me the business opportunity to travel both domestic and international.   When UTC closed the Bosch Springfield operations, I took a position at UTC’s Hamilton Standard in Windsor Locks where I finished my career, retiring in 1999 at the ripe old age of 64!  

I am survived by my wife and best friend, Sally. Together we enjoyed 43+ years of marriage.  We had a passion for building new houses in all building 6 new homes in a variety of places such as Easthampton, Southampton, Cape Cod, Westfield, Hilton Head Island and finally back to Southampton.  Along our journey together we enjoyed golfing, hiking, sailing, biking, kayaking and traveling.  Some adventures taking us Mexico, Key West, Grand Canyon, Ireland, Venezuela and Canada and of course Disney. I am survived by three sons, James (Michelle), Thomas (Lori), Matt and his former wife Melissa Fenton.  I also leave behind a step-daughter, Hillary Osgood, her husband Brad and my grandson Hayden, who I thank for all the help and caring.  I am survived by 6 grandkids; Dan (Erika), Colin, Jenna, Lindsey, Kayla, Hayden Osgood and 2 great-grandchildren Madeline and Joseph. I also leave my Jacques, Fenton and Tulloch nieces and nephews.  What’s up Jacques?

I am proud to say that no matter where I lived, I considered myself a HOLYOKER and the life it gave me!  Whether it was spending time at Crosier field with my buds, or caddying at the Holyoke Country Club, or in High School running the freight elevator at Newberry’s 5&10, or working at the Worthington, or having a beer at The Elm Café, or taking my sons to baseball and hockey.  I always was proud to call Holyoke, my home town! 

Finally, I leave the following thought. We live in a very judgmental world. Too many of us are quick to pass judgment on others without benefit of the facts or the truth!

There will be no funeral services. Interment will be private and at the convenience of my loving wife, Sally.  Boucher - O'Brien Funeral Home in Easthampton has been entrusted with his care. Donations can be sent to Blessed Sacrament School, 21 Westfield, Rd, Holyoke, MA 01040.