Obituary of Robert Francis Willis

Palmer, Robert F. Willis, 76, of Ware St., died peacefully on Saturday, July 29 at Baystate Wing Hospital. Born in Westfield, February 5, 1947, he was the son of Francis H. and Helen R. (Pearce) Willis. Bob graduated from Westfield High School and went on to further his education at UMass Amherst, where he achieved a Bachelor’s degree in Music. While at UMass, Bob met Martha Webb, whom he married in 1970. The couple relocated to Palmer in 1973, where they raised their family and became involved in their church and community. Bob’s career took him to the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, where he was the Assistant to the Director of Dining Services until his retirement in 2012. Bob became very invested in the Second Congregational Church in Palmer, serving the church in many capacities. He was a member of the choir and hand bell choir, along with serving on many committees such as Finance and Stewardship, plus being a former Moderator. Additionally, he was active at the Palmer Historical and Cultural Center (PHCC) in Three Rivers.

Along with Martha, his wife of 53 years, he will be deeply missed by his two children, Laura Snyder and her husband Sean, and their daughter Mya, all of Palmer, along with his son Andrew of Worcester. He also leaves a brother Richard and his wife Robbin of Suffield, CT and a sister Jean of Norwalk, CT.

Calling hours will be Tuesday AUGUST 8 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home. A funeral service will be WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9 at 11:00 a.m. at the Second Congregational Church, 1080 Pleasant St Palmer.

For those wishing to honor his memory, the family suggests donations may be made to either Second Congregational Church, 1080 Pleasant St, Palmer or Palmer Historical and Cultural Center (PHCC) PO Box 642, Palmer, MA 01069.