Robert F. "Bob" Pion

CENTERVILLE

Bob Pion of Centerville, MA (formerly West Springfield, MA) died peacefully on January 1, 2020, surrounded by his loving family.  Bob is survived by his wife and best friend, Maureen (née Francoeur), step-daughter Jessie Pion and her wife Tania Tapia, daughter Katie Ward and her husband Ryan Ward, grandchildren Pablo and Lily Tapion, brother Martin J. Pion and his wife Pamela, sister Francine P. Healey and her husband Paul, and brother Lawrence G. Pion and his wife Mona, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.  Bob was born in Chicopee, MA on November 14, 1954 to Francis G. and Lorraine M. Pion. He grew up in Chicopee and graduated from Cathedral High School. He went on to earn degrees from STCC and Fitchburg State College. Bob worked many years in human resources at Smith & Wesson in Springfield, MA. He was a talented woodworker who never shied away from a project. Bob loved to golf and became a legend when he hit a hole-in-one at Wyckoff Country Club. For his 60^th birthday, he golfed at Pebble Beach. In his younger days he played hockey, skied, and never missed his weekly tennis matches with his friends. His family sports pursuits, which brought him his greatest joy, included backyard frisbee tossing, swimming pool competitions, and teaching his grandson how to golf. Bob was famous for his inspired cooking and grilling, and his entire family will miss his culinary gifts. To say he was a fan of New England sports teams is an understatement. Game days were sacred; only those who shared his enthusiasm and focus were allowed to sit on his couch.  Most importantly, Bob was a devoted family man. He adored his wife Maureen, stopping at nothing to make the best life for her and their family. He loved taking them to the beach in the summer, having sing-a-longs known as hootenannies, and making Christmas mornings extra special. In 2014, Bob and Maureen fulfilled a long-held dream when they bought a house on the Cape to keep their vacations going all year long. Bob put family first. We are thankful for the life he gave us, and we will treasure the moments we spent with him forever. Calling hours will be on Saturday, January 11 from 12-3 at Barry Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton St. Holyoke MA, with eulogy at 3:00. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dana-Farber or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation through his children’s fundraising events: Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge: http://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/goto/runwithryan or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Xtreme Hike: http://fightcf.cff.org/goto/Jessie_TeamCWC

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