Robert E. (Rob) Joy

Robert E. Joy passed away quickly and unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 21.

Rob was born February 21, 1938 in Greenfield to Ray and Margaret (Bates) Joy.  The family originally lived in Colrain, but when Rob and his brother Ralph were small, the family moved to Shelburne Falls on Conway Street, eventually ending up on William Street.

Rob attended Crittenden School and Arms Academy, graduating in 1956.  He was working at Blassberg’s Garage at sixteen and continued after graduation.  In the early 1980’s

He opened his own auto body repair shop in Ashfield and everyone knew that “Rob’s Auto Body” was honest, fair, and did top-notch work.  The shop later moved to Shelburne Falls on Old State Street in Buckland.  His grandson worked alongside him and learned the skills of the job and his ethics on treating customers and people fairly and delivering an amazingly well finished job.

In September of 1960, he married his high-school sweetheart, Lucille Lively.  The following year a daughter was born, and he then added “Daddy” to the names he was known by.  Whether you knew him as Robert, or Rob, Robbie, Bob, Bobby or even Mr. Joy…he was always the same kind, dependable, constant man to all.

A life long resident of Buckland, in Shelburne Falls, Rob was a simple man, with many talents.  He did not like attention, preferring to quietly work in the background to help anyone that was in need.  He could turn his hand to anything, and could fix anything that needed fixing.  If he couldn’t, he would figure out how to get it done.  He enjoyed riding his motorcycles, and he and Lu took many trips with friends on the bike.  Rob enjoyed traveling with Lu, and spent time in Bermuda, China, Greece, Canada, Florida most frequently visiting friends at the Cape.

Rob enjoyed bowling in the leagues at the downtown bowling alley, as well as playing poker with the “guys”.  Thursdays night would find “the Joy boys” having dinner together, usually in town or at New Fortune in Greenfield.  He also enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandsons and great-grandson, who has had a standing Saturday night sleepover at Gramps and Lulu’s with Sunday breakfast with Grampa and often Uncle Ralph at Foxtown since he was very little.

Rob is survived by his wife of 58 years, the former Lucille Lively, his daughter Cindi Heon and husband Christopher, grandson Devon Kelleher and his wife Andrea, grandson Dustin Kelleher and great-grandson Deegan Kelleher, brother Ralph Joy and wife Fran as well as several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be Thursday, March 29, from 5-7 pm at Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home in Shelburne Falls.

There are no other services scheduled.  Rob didn’t like fuss or being the center of attention.  Please be casual; Rob was most comfortable in his jeans and a sweatshirt, so the family will acknowledge that by being in jeans.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Lucille Joy, 13 Spring Street, Shelburne Falls, MA  01370 to establish an education fund for the benefit of great-grandson Deegan Kelleher.

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