NORTHAMPTON-Robert E. Tacy, 51, of Parsons Street passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, June 30, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer, surrounded by family. Bob as family and friends knew him as, was born in Northampton to the late Louis & Barbara (Dostal) Tacy. He was raised in Northampton, attending local schools and graduated from Northampton High School. 

     He furthered his education, graduating from Johnson & Wales with a degree in culinary arts. Robert worked at Smith College for over 25 years as a chef, honing his skills over the years, he was highly respected amongst his colleagues. Robert enjoyed the outdoors, skateboarding and snowboarding and in his high school years was an avid lacrosse player. 

     He leaves his dear sister and her husband Patricia & Skip Rutkowski of Florence. His aunts; Mary Rose Dostal and her wife Marianne Murawski of So. Carolina and Carol Perkins and her husband Ray of Virginia. His cousin, E. J. Perkins and his wife Tori Meisler and his close friends from childhood; Tim Albin and Tanya Pratt Baceski and especially his “family” at Smith College, his many coworkers and dear friends. He will miss you all. 

     Family and friends may gather at AHEARN FUNERAL HOME, 783 Bridge Rd., Northampton on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 10 a.m. for a Religious service with Rev. Kingsley Ihejirika, Officiant. Burial will immediately follow in St. Mary’s cemetery, Northampton.