HATFIELD-Robert W. Shea Jr., 72, of Bridge Street passed away at home on Thursday, August 22, 2024. Bob or “Butchie”, as family and friends called him, was born in Northampton on June 26, 1952. He attended Hatfield public schools and graduated from Smith Academy in 1970, where he was a member of the Falcons varsity basketball (co-captain senior year) and baseball teams. He then graduated from Central Connecticut State College with a degree in physical education. Bob married Sandra Slowikowski on October 5, 1974, and they celebrated 49 years of love, family and many happy memories. They went everywhere together, including frequent trips to MGM casino and to see their grandchildren. Bob worked at Amherst College for 39 years, retiring as the Supervisor of Grounds & Vehicle Maintenance in July 2017. He loved making sure the campus was beautiful and meticulous, especially for commencement and reunion. He also worked for the Farm Bureau in Greenfield and Hathaway Construction before starting at Amherst. Bob owned and operated Shea’s Christmas Tree Farm since 1993 and loved helping people find the perfect tree for Christmas. He served on the Board of Trustees for Smith Academy and was a retired Hatfield Volunteer Firefighter. Bob loved sports. When Jen, Jeff and Jason were younger, he coached their youth sports teams, drove their class floats during Homecoming parades and went to all of their high school and college games. He served as a local basketball referee in his younger days as well as played basketball in a men’s league in Northampton. Later, he ran the shot clock for Smith Academy basketball games, always talking to the opposing coaches and referees. He was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan and always enjoyed watching or listening to the games. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed summer pool time with them in Hatfield and he would go to Connecticut to watch their various sports games. And when he couldn’t get to the games in person, he’d be sure to watch the games online and talk to them afterwards about their play. He also enjoyed playing Pitch with his extended family. Bob will be remembered for his willingness to always help others and his ability to make people laugh. Bob was a communicant of Our Lady of Grace Church in Hatfield. He was predeceased by his parents; Robert W. Shea Sr. and Wanda (Stolarski) Shea and his brother, Richard “Dugan” Shea. Bob leaves his loving wife of 49 years, Sandra (Slowikowski) Shea. His devoted children; Jeffrey R. and Jason W. Shea of Hatfield and Jennifer Shea Lane and husband James Lane, Jr. of Middletown, CT. His cherished grandchildren; Julia, Andrew, William and Olivia Lane. He also leaves his sisters-in-law, Deborah Shea of New Jersey and Nancy Farrell and husband Robert Farrell of West Springfield, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. THE FAMILY WILL RECEIVE FRIENDS AT THE AHEARN FUNERAL HOME, 783 BRIDGE RD., NORTHAMPTON ON WEDNESDAY, AUG. 28, 2024 FROM 4:00 TO 7:00 P.M. RELATIVES AND FRIENDS WILL GATHER DIRECTLY ON THURSDAY, AUG. 29, 2024 AT OUR LADY OF GRACE CHURCH, SCHOOL ST., HATFIELD AT 10:00 O'CLOCK A.M. FOR THE LITURGY OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL FOR BOB. Burial will follow in Calvary cemetery, Bridge St., Hatfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Hatfield Volunteer Firefighters Assoc., 59 Main St., Hatfield, MA 01038 or towards the scholarship being created in memory of Robert Shea to Smith Academy, 34 School Street, Hatfield, MA 01038.