Robert E. Hartwell

Robert “Bob” Hartwell, 92, passed away Feb 25, 2025. Born 1933 in Buckland, MA to Lena and Robert Hartwell and remained active and healthy, living his life to the fullest up to his last day.

Predeceased one year ago by his wife, Margaret. Also predeceased by his parents and brother Malcolm. Bob leaves behind his three children: Ellen, David, and Lynne, their spouses, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his nephew Steve and his spouse, son, and 2 grandchildren.

He was known to the neighbors in Eastman, NH and Pepperell, MA, who would see him walking each day. He was a nature lover, who enjoyed hiking in the woods whenever the weather would permit.

Bob was an avid lover of the fine arts and music. He would frequent the local opera, jazz and theatre productions in NH and VT. Bob worked supporting the administration of Opera Worcester. More recently, he remained an enthusiastic audience to the JOSA Sunday Jazz Concerts in Eastman, NH.

Bob served two years in the US Army, including assignment to the 6th Armored Cavalry in Germany as a 2nd Lt. In civilian life, he has volunteered in community associations for Chelmsford, MA, Worcester MA, and Eastman, NH.

Bob was a stellar student of the Arms Academy in Shelburne Falls, earning the nickname “Professor”. He went on to earn a BS in physics from University of Massachusetts, an MS in electrical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, and an MS in computer engineering from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell.

A long-time employee of RCA/GE. Bob worked as an engineer in their Aerospace division. Post-retirement from GE, Bob enjoyed many years working at BCO in Billerica MA, retiring from the latter workplace only last year.

A brilliant man, Bob had a passion for learning, a love of reading. He built close friendships with a handful of the people he worked with that lasted their entire lives. To all who knew him, Bob was a quiet, unassuming man. He had a dry sense of humor, loving to tell stories and jokes, as well as remaining witty in conversation.

He wasn’t afraid of hard work or exercise, chopping and stacking the wood for his wood stove or tending the yard and doing any minor repairs around the house. He could be relied upon to help others whenever possible.

To all of us who knew him, he will forever be lovingly remembered. We miss you and love you Dad.

A celebration of life will be held on April 27. For those interested in attending, please reach out to us at Bob.Hartwell.CelebrationOfLife@gmail.com.

In lieu of cards or flowers, the family encourages you to leave a favorite memory, a photo, or a few words on Bob's online guestbook at www.McGaffiganFuneral.com