Robert "Bobby" J. Santos

Robert "Bobby" J. Santos, passed  away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on July 31, 2025, at the age of 77 After a long courageous and hard fought battle with cancer.  Born on January 11, 1948, in Three Rivers, Massachusetts, Bobby was a lifelong resident of this close-knit town, where he not only dedicated his life to his family but also played an integral role in various community activities.

Bobby was predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Catherine (Saj) Santos, and his siblings, Chubby Santos, Candi Szanderowski, and Sandra Allen. He is survived by his devoted wife of 21 years, Karen E. (Taylor) Santos of Three Rivers; his children, Bobbie-Jo Smith and her husband Craig of Springfield, Mark Santos of Jackson, TN, and Scott Santos and his wife Tiffany of Chicopee. Bobby also leaves behind his stepchildren, Amanda Gagne and Christopher Flowers, both of Palmer. He was a proud grandfather to Kevin Pendleton Jr., Mariah Pendleton and her partner Nkechi Wamuo, Antonio Santos and Jasper Joray. He is also survived by his siblings, Ronald Santos and his wife Linda of Florida, and Darlene Blethen and her husband Jack of Palmer and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Bobby served his country honorably as a proud U.S. Army veteran during the Vietnam War in the 25th infantry artillery division,  He embarked on a fulfilling 25-year career with the Palmer Highway Department, during which he proved to be a dedicated worker. Bobby was influential in starting the Local Union and served as its president, advocating for the rights and welfare of his fellow workers.  He also started the Palmer Basketball Association and coached his sons and many other children in youth sports.

An avid sports enthusiast, Bobby was a loyal fan of the New York Yankees (Expecialy when they beat the Redsox) and the Boston Celtics. He loved going to Hampton Beach and, engaging in outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing, especially enjoyed with his wife Karen and nephew Johnny and his Uncle George. A vibrant spirit with a passion for the "High Life", he embraced opportunities to experience live music, attending memorable events like Woodstock and enjoying performances at Pulaski Park in Palmer. At home, Bobby relished family gatherings, cookouts, playing cards with his siblings, spending time with his children and grandchildren, and visits from family and friends on his front porch.

The Santos family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses at the D'Amour Cancer Center in Springfield for their exceptional care and support over the past eight years. Bobby was a source of strength and love for those around him and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during calling hours on Tuesday, August 5th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home. A memorial service and military honors celebrating Bobby's life will be held on Wednesday, August 6th, at 10:00 AM at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Shriners Hospital for Children in Springfield, MA