Robert W. “Bob” Gailey

North Brookfield - Robert W. “Bob” Gailey, Ph.D., 82, of North Brookfield died on Monday, October 8, 2018 at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center in Worcester.

He leaves his wife of 61 years, Shirley G. (Clark) Gailey; his son, Robert C. Gailey and his wife Carol of Torrington, CT; his daughter, Susan Nikola-Costa of Newtown, CT, 2 grandchildren, Jennifer and Tyler, and his sister, Carolyn Harvey.  He was predeceased by his brother, John Gailey.  He was born in and grew up in Portsmouth, NH, son of the late Albert and Alma (Chapet) Gailey.

Dr. Gailey was a United States Air Force veteran, obtaining the rank of Captain.  While serving, he and Shirley were stationed throughout the United States including Alaska. 

Robert highly valued education. He obtained his BA from the University of New Hampshire, and then went on to earn both a Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Education from the University of Massachusetts. He spent his career in Financial Administration working at Greenfield Community College, Western New England College, and lastly as Vice-President of Finance at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. 

Bob was a former member of the Rotary Club of Springfield, and a current member of the East Brookfield Baptist Church. He was a great fan of the Red Sox and Patriots since a child, and kept that passion throughout his life. He renovated a lake house in New Hampshire, where he and Shirley spent many summers, and enjoyed dinners out at 308 Lakeside on Lake Lashaway as well. 

A Funeral Service for Bob will be held on Friday, October 19, 2018 at 11:00AM in the East Brookfield Baptist Church, 262 East Main St., East Brookfield.  Burial with military honors will be in Russellville Cemetery in Hadley at a later date.   In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name may be made to the East Brookfield Baptist Church, or the Second Chance Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515.

Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main St., in West Brookfield is assisting his family with arrangements. 

An online guest book is available at varnumfuneralhome.com.

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