Robert Friel “Bob” Loughrey, age 94 of Holyoke, MA died March 19th, 2025. He was born in Holyoke, son of the late F. Joseph and Rose (Walsh) Loughrey and was a graduate of Holyoke High School Class of 1948. Upon graduation, Bob worked at Waters Stationery and International Blank Book Co’s. entering the United States Air Force to serve during the Korean War with the 3275th Military Training Wing stationed in Dublin, CA. where he was selected for flight training in the Aviation Cadets Program. Following his Honorable Discharge, he attended St. Anselm College, continuing his studies at American International College for his Bachelor's Degree in English, and the College of Our Lady of the Elms for his Masters in Education. Bob was a teacher of English at Holyoke High School for 36 years, also serving as a class advisor, coordinator of graduation exercises, manager of the school’s Bookstore, and was a member of the Holyoke Teachers Association. Bob was also one of the first educators in Holyoke Community College’s Evening Education Program, and founded partnerships with local industry including Digital Equipment Corporation/HP supporting its workforce development initiatives. A dedicated parishioner of Our Lady of the Cross (Holy Cross) Church, he was a former Parish Council member, including the church’s 75th Anniversary Committee, and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Irish Cultural Center of Western Massachusetts. Bob was a loving and devoted husband, predeceased by his wife of 39 years, Irene (Mastaj) Loughrey, in 2002. He is survived by his children, Robert J. Loughrey and his wife Judy of South Hadley, MA and Douglas W. Loughrey and his wife Mary of Holyoke; his 7 beloved grandchildren, Ryan and his wife Ali, Bobby, Matty, Grace, Marty, Jack and Tim, and his great granddaughters, Lily and Madeline; Bob was predeceased by his brothers, F. Joseph Loughrey Jr. (Helen), James R. Loughrey (Madeline), his sisters, Rosemary A. Hoff (Doug), Antrese L. Allegro (Jim) and brothers-in-law Joseph Mastaj and Robert Frey. Bob loved to travel near or far, including Cape Cod Summer family vacations, memorable trips to Florida and Ireland, visiting his sisters and their families over the years in Maryland and Connecticut, Fall foliage rides, Holiday gatherings or simply out to local events and dinners with close friends. As keeper of Loughrey genealogy, he enjoyed discussing his Irish lineage and sharing many insightful stories and laughter. Equally, Bob lived a life of service and took great pride in helping others whether assisting his students with college essays and SAT prep, serving his church community, or caring for elderly family members. Thoughtfulness, genuine concern, and kindness to all were his defining qualities. He leaves behind his sisters-in-law Janice Mastaj and Dorothy Frey of Holyoke, many beloved nieces, nephews (including grand and great ones) whose lives he was proud to be a part of, along with dear friends, fellow educators and generations of wonderful and grateful students. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, March 27th at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Cross Church, Holy Cross Avenue, Holyoke. Burial will follow in St. Jerome Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Wednesday March 26th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton St. Holyoke. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Cross Capital Campaign, 15 Maple St. Holyoke MA 01040.