Robert M. Vassar

Robert M. Vassar, 81, of French King Highway, passed away at home on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025.

He was born in Greenfield on July 23, 1944 the son of George M. and Reita (Bitzer) Vassar. He attended local schools and was a graduate of Greenfield High School. He served in the National Guard from 1962-64.

He worked with his father at Vassar’s Sunoco on Federal Street in Greenfield beginning in 1963. A gas station, general auto service and the local U-Haul Rental franchisee. Bob went on to hold various positions with local companies such as Sweeney Ford, Merriam-Graves, HB Allen and Coca-Cola.

He opened Vassar’s Automotive on French King Highway where it remains today. He was still owner and operator with his sons at the time of his passing.

Bob was a Freemason, member of the Republican Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Greenfield. He also belonged to the Melha Shriner Temple in Springfield and the Greenfield Moose Lodge 997.

He enjoyed traveling and his favorite spots were the Amish country, Boothbay, Maine, Nashville, Tennessee and Branson, Missouri.

Survivors include his wife whom he married Feb 11, 2023, Anne (Huppe) Vassar, sons: Charles (Grace) Vassar of Greenfield, James (Laura) Vassar of South Deerfield, David (Kerry) Vassar of Greenfield, William Vassar of East Liverpool, OH, grandchildren Mari Lou, Faith, Stephanie, Holly, Michelle, Keegan and Viktoria, great granddaughter Cali, sister Caroline (Anthony) Warchol of Turners Falls, and Anne’s four daughters, 12 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Bob was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Margaret “Peg” Vassar on August 3, 2017.

Visiting hours will be Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 5 to 8 pm at the Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home, 87 Franklin St., Greenfield. A Masonic Evergreen service will begin at 7 pm.

The funeral will be on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 11:00 am at the funeral home followed by committal prayers at Green River Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested memorial donations be made to either Pioneer Valley Hospice & Palliative Care, 101 Munson St., Greenfield 01301 or to Shriner’s Children of New England (www.shrinerschildrens.org)

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