Robert “Bob” Stirton, 96, formerly of Longmeadow, Wilbraham, and Niantic, CT, passed away October 23, just 2 weeks shy of his 97th birthday peacefully with his daughters by his side and after several FaceTime calls exchanging farewell love between he and his grandchildren. Born of Scottish immigrants to the late Frederick D. Stirton and late Margaret (Halliday) Stirton, he was raised in Longmeadow and spent much of his life as a resident there. He graduated from Commerce High School in Graphic Sales. One of his jobs during that time was packing ladies’ hats in hat boxes for Forbes & Wallace and working in the printing business. At 19 years old, Bob enlisted in the Navy and honorably served as a Torpedoman’s Mate, Second Class, in WWII from 1942-1946. His service included: NTS Newport RI; USNTTR Montauk Long Island NY; Destroyer USS Phelps DD-360; USS Knoxville PSC Boston. He earned the following military awards: WWII Victory Medal, American Area Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal. During his teen years and after the Navy, Bob began his printing career working for his dad’s company, John C. Otto Co., a commercial printing company, where he worked from the ground up in the shop and in sales, earning his role as Executive Vice-President, retiring after 41 years. He then became a self-employed Printing Broker, selling into his 80’s! He had a strong affinity for the printing industry and was active during his working years in many clubs: Conn. Valley Litho Club, where he served on the Board of Governors and was active in seminars; Printing House Craftmen Club; Purchasing Assoc. of Western MA; and the Springfield Advertising Club, serving as Membership Chairman and on merit award committees. Bob’s sense of humor, charm, exceptional sales skills, strong work ethic and love for his job served him well for his success. Although his career was demanding, he maintained a “giving back” action to church and community. He kept himself involved for the benefit of others. He was a Demolay member; 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason; East Longmeadow “Meadows Lodge East” Mason; 75-year Master Mason in the Grand Lodge of Mass. A.F. & A.M. He was also active in the Melha Shriners and on the Directors Staff for several years, volunteering at the Shriners Children’s Hospital and marching in the parades, which he loved to do, and for the cause for which they were marching. He was presented with an award for the most marches in a year — 17! Bob grew up summering in Black Point, CT and spent summers thereafter in Crescent Beach, Niantic with his wife Marion Tarbuck Stirton aka “Terry” and their 4 children. He was a Founding Member of the Niantic Bay Yacht Club in 1948 and was the longest living member. He cherished his lifetime of memories created there. He and Terry raised their family in Wilbraham then resided in Longmeadow for many years. Most recently they lived at Bluebird Estates in East Longmeadow. They were long-time communicants and volunteers of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Longmeadow. Bob adored Terry — his bride of 70 years! And she adored him. They were blessed to celebrate their anniversary with family this past July 5th. As true soulmates, they enjoyed years of dancing (always dancing!), sailing and racing their Luder L-16, NBYC beach and sitting on the porch, Florida vacations, looking at real estate (earned his Real Estate License with Terry in 1950’s), volunteering at their churches and the Longmeadow Senior Center, and together doing house projects and yard work into their 80’s. They truly enjoyed a full life together with endless love and laughter. In essence, “there is no Bob without Terry and no Terry without Bob.” Bob had a big heart for animals and love for his pets, especially his late schnauzer Penny. He loved family times, reading the newspaper, cover to cover (often clipping articles for others he thought would be of interest to them), the beach, Red Sox, sailing, yard work, seafood, and his cars— especially his cherry red Buick which he kept to look at every day to the very end. He was a devoted family man, who possessed an indomitable spirit, incredible work ethic, and loving personality. He lived a long, full life always with a sense of purpose. He was known for his extraverted personality always sharing detailed stories. Bob was predeceased by his parents, his only son Frederick D. Stirton, II in 2005, his eldest grandson Robert Stirton, II in 2016, all his 5 siblings and spouses, except for his brother-in-law Al Martin. Aside from his beloved wife Terry, Bob is survived by his 3 daughters: Jean Wales & her husband John of Portland, OR; Barbara Stirton of Longmeadow, MA; Sandra Lauria & her partner John DeRagon of Enfield, CT. He also leaves behind 8 grandchildren: Ellen Jones & husband Aaron and their children Parker & Levi; Sandra Best & husband Ashley & toddler Hudson; Eric Walbridge; Amy Walbridge; Derick Stirton & wife Alyne; Markus Lauria & his toddler Madelyn; Stephanie Patrie & husband Steven & their expectant baby; Sara McGillicuddy & her husband Chad and their 2 boys Patrick & Timothy; Sara’s son Daniel Cislak and his expectant baby; Sara’s daughter Christina Cislak and her baby Violet. Bob leaves his former sons-in-law Mark Lauria and Stephen Walbridge plus several nieces and nephews. A private heartfelt celebration of his life and burial with military honors took place at Hillcrest Park Cemetery on Oct. 28th. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.