Robert “Bobby” Boardway was called home by the Lord on Sunday night following a long decline in his general health.  Bob was at his home surrounded by family when he peacefully joined his beloved wife Marie in their eternal home.   
 
Born on August 24, 1935 in Holyoke, MA, Bob was proud to tell anyone that would listen that he was in his 90th year!  Bob graduated from Holyoke H.S. in 1953 and then attended and graduated from Providence College in 1958.  Bob and Marie grew up next door to one another and marriage didn’t take them much further away from those roots.  The couple moved into Bob’s childhood home in 1995 where they spent the rest of their lives living only two doors down from Marie’s childhood home.   
 
Following his graduation from Providence, Bob spent a short stint in the Army National Guard, and then excelled in various management positions with Hallmark, All-State and Darcy,Inc. until 1980 when he landed his dream job as the Legislative Aide to State Representative Bob Rohan where he served for 13 years until Rohan's retirement in 1992. When Bob retired from politics, he committed himself to his two loves... Marie and golf! Bob was an avid New England sports fan coaching all teams from his chair and would spend hours talking Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots and Bruins with anyone who would listen  
 
Bob was a lifetime member of the Elks and a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church where he served as an altar boy during his younger years.  He was also a proud long-time member of the Holyoke Country Club where he cut grass part-time and served on the Board of Directors.  He loved spending time gathering with his friends and demonstrating his genuine talent for golf …scoring not just one, but 2 Holes in One!  Bob’s love of golf was only eclipsed by his love for his family.  Married for 60 years, Bob was preceded in death in 2020 by his loving wife Marie and 6 months earlier by his son Sam.  Bob is survived by his daughters Paula & husband Steve Akalis; Katie & husband Brian Bilek, son TJ, granddaughters Carley & Caelah, grandsons Dylan, Shane, Colin and Liam and Great-grandsons Eoghan, Beckham and Caden, sister Nancy Boardway and brother Gene Boardway as well as his lifelong best friend Eddie LaPlante. 

The family wishes to thank the Holyoke VNA for their exceptional care. Especially his "angel" Abby who had become part of the family. 

Lift a parting glass to Bobby! 
 
Visitation will be Friday, June 27 from 4 to 7 at Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton St., in Holyoke.  A funeral will be held Saturday June 28 at 9 am from the funeral home followed by Mass in Blessed Sacrament Church at 10:00am. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery.

Donations can be made to the Holyoke VNA/Hospice in Bob’s name.