Robert John Jennett

Robert J. Jennett, 60, of Southwick, passed away February 7, 2020 at Baystate Medical Center. Born August 23, 1959 in Bethpage, Long Island, NY, Robert graduated from Hicksville High School in 1977. He continually expanded a backyard car repair business while attending SUNY Farmingdale. He graduated in 1979 with an A.A.S. in Mechanical Technology. In January 1980 he reluctantly accepted a position at Grumman Aerospace as a Manufacturing Methods Engineer. Working at Grumman opened a vast new source of car repair customers, his true passion. In October 1982 he met his wife of 35 years, Diane, and the couple married in Levittown, NY on September 16, 1984. In spite of several promotions at Grumman, the couple relocated to Southwick, MA in November 1987 when he accepted a manufacturing engineering position at Hamilton Standard in Windsor Locks, CT. The couple welcomed two children, Christy Lee in 1988 and Randy Robert in 1990. Bob earned a B.S. in Industrial Technology from Charter Oak State College in 1999. He worked up the ranks at Hamilton, retiring in 2016 as a manufacturing engineering manager, though he later returned to work as a contractor. Bob proudly served on the Westfield Vocational High School Advisory Board for 29 years. He was a member and past president of Congamond Heights Association, and Hampden County Deputy Sheriff’s Association. His hobbies included hunting in New York State, deep sea and freshwater fishing, particularly at his family’s camp on Lake Champlain, cruising the Connecticut River and taking day trips in his boats, and running the portable saw mill, first with his son as Jennett’s Sawing Service LLC and then as a hobby. Bob loved to help people, especially with anything mechanical for the neighbors. His outlandish wit and sense of humor could put any situation into perspective and will be missed tremendously, as will the many delicious meals he loved to cook. Bob seemed to know and be adored by everyone. A family man through and through, he will best be remembered as a reliable son, thoughtful husband, doting, devoted father and proud grandfather.

Bob leaves behind his wife Diane (Christiansen); daughter Christy Jackson (Todd) of Bellows Falls, VT; grandson Nolan Randy; mother Ann (Loveland) of Morrisonville, NY; a brother, Richard (Lana) of Pacific, MO; sister in law and brother in law Nancy and Frank Bachety of Babylon, NY; brother in law Robert Christiansen of Chicago, IL; mother in law and father in law Barbara and Robert Christiansen of Vero Beach, FL; nieces, a nephew; and great nephews; cousins; best friend since high school, Anthony Miserendino of Craryville, NY; countless other lifelong friends from Long Island and great friends from Massachusetts and Connecticut. He is predeceased by his father, Richard (2017), and his son, Randy (2012).

Friends and family will gather from 2-5 PM on Saturday, February 15, 2020 in Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home, 624 College Highway, Southwick MA. A memorial service will immediately follow at 5:00pm. Burial will be private this spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to in Robert’s name to the “Gifts of Gratitude” Program of Baystate Health Foundation at Baystatehealth.org/bhf 280 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA 01199, or to Hunt of a Lifetime, P.O. Box 241, Harborcreek, PA 16421. www.forastiere.com.