Robert George Macey died June 18, 2017, at the age of 87, affectionately known to all as Bob — was born to George Macey and Vera Hughes in Long Island, New York. He had one sibling — William Macey, an older brother that Bob much loved and admired.
Bob never finished high school. Necessity drove him to leave school and support his mom and their Pennsylvania farm after his father George passed at a tragically early age. It was during this time that he met the woman who would become his wife and lifelong affection —Wanita Claire Keesler. They were married in 1950 after a whirlwind courtship.
The happy life of the newlyweds was interrupted when Bob was drafted for the Korean Conflict in 1951. He served his country honorably, discharged in 1953. And while lamenting his time away from Wanita, he happily returned to greet his much-loved firstborn, his daughter Linda, born while he was on active duty.
Two years later, Linda was joined by a brother, Wesley. The family moved to New Jersey, where Bob worked for General Electric. Later, they moved to beautiful southern Vermont, and their adopted state would be their home for many years. Bob took a position with Fellows GearShapers in North Springfield, Vermont — retiring after more than a dozen years. While he would never confess to enjoying his work, he ultimately took great pride and comfort in the stability he provided for his family.
Bob was known and will be remembered for many things; chief among these, his abiding love for his wife Wanita, his beloved daughter Linda, sons Wes and Warner. He adored his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and even in his very last days the joy he experienced seeing his youngest great grandchildren was profound. His early days in Long Island carried over in his abiding love for the NY Giants football team — an affinity that caused him no end of grief living in the backyard of the New England Patriots, but no permanent harm thanks to his charm, goodwill, and remarkable sense of humor. He'll be remembered for all these wonderful things, for being a good father and a good friend. And he'll be remembered for his many trademark sayings, including (but not limited to):
— How much do you take to haunt a house?
— If BS was music you'd be a brass band
— I'm fine
— Whatever!
— Anyway...
Bob spent his last years at the Elm Wood Center in Claremont, where he developed many close relationships (and football rivalries) with the caring, amazing staff.
Bob is survived by his wife and lifelong love, Wanita Macey; and their three children, Linda Asanowicz, Wesley Macey and Warner Macey, as well as his grandchildren, Melissa Bouchard, Veronica Ferland, Richard Bouchard, Alicia Russell, Robert Bouchard Jr., Eric Macey, Joshua Macey and Bobbi Prouty.
A memorial service is being held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 21, at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Ludlow, Vermont. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
We bid a sad farewell to Robert Macey, for he was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.
Arrangements are with the Stringer Funeral Home and Crematorium, 146 Broad St., in Claremont. To view an online memorial or send a private message of condolence, visit www.stringerfh.com.
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