Robert E. (Bob) Elwell

Robert Earle “Bob” Elwell, 85, passed away at home on Monday, March 6, 2023.

He was born at home in Colrain, MA on October 25, 1937 the son of Earle and Gertrude (Littlejohn) Elwell. He attended local schools and graduated from Arms Academy in Shelburne Falls.

Bob started working for his father, Elwell’s Trucking, as soon as he could drive. The primary focus of the business was transporting raw milk from area farms to processors. The original Snow’s Ice Cream in Greenfield and Hood in West Springfield were some of the common stops. He was the owner of the business for many years before selling and retiring. His retirement didn’t last too long and soon began driving for the FRTA.

At a young age Bob developed a strong connection to the Boston Red Sox. His grandmother would sit him down beside her and listen to the games on a transistor radio. They would sit for hours together and she instilled in him a passion for baseball. To say he was an avid fan of the Red Sox is an understatement. He wintered in Winter Haven and Fort Meyers, FL so he could attend spring training games every day. The fact that he watched them win 4 World Series brought him great pride and the right to boast to anyone who was nearby.

Along with his passion for the Red Sox, he liked going to the track to watch the horses, he was a good card player, and he could be seen walking around Greenfield or at the bike path in Turners along the canal. He was a former member of the Greenfield Elks and a member to 2 bowling leagues.

Bob was proud of the fact that even though he had health issues over the years, including two quadruple by-pass surgeries, he kept plugging along.

Bob treasured his grandchildren and great grandchildren. His home is surrounded with their pictures and achievements.

Bob’s family includes two daughters; Deborah “Debbie” Schlinger (Stephen) of Enfield, CT, and Patricia “Pattie” Elwell of Greenfield, a son James “Jim” Elwell (Denise) of Greenfield, 10 grandchildren; Eric Boissy, Ashley Carlson, Ricia Youngwell-Socci, Evan Boissy, Brandi Bean, Avery Boissy, Jacob Elwell, Bethany Elwell-Spada, Amanda Elwell and Jenna Elwell, 12 great grandchildren; Drew, Olivia and Carter Boissy, Brayden, Lilah, Harper and Isaac Carlson, Nora and Makenzie Boissy, Amelia, Natalie and Blake Bean, two sisters; Nancy Willis (Ken) of Greenfield and Frances Joy (Ralph) of Colrain, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours will be Monday, 3/13, from 6 to 8 pm at the Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home, 87 Franklin St., Greenfield.

A funeral service will be Tuesday, 3/14, at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob’s name can be made to Greenfield High School Baseball Program, Attn: Tom Suchanek, 1 Lenox Ave., Greenfield, MA 01301

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