Mr. Robert "Bob" Howland

With sadness on April 7, 2026 we said a temporary “goodbye” to a doting husband and loving father. Robert George Howland (Bob) went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was 81. Born February 28, 1945 in Troy, NY to George and Anne Howland, he attended Stillwater schools and graduated from Stillwater High School. He continued his education, receiving an Associates Degrees in Electrical Engineering from Hudson Valley Community College. On July 22, 1967, he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Helen Sue Howland (Capeci). They relocated to Pittsfield, MA soon after and began their life together. They welcomed their first daughter, Cindy, in 1968 and their second daughter, Shelly, four years later. Bob worked for General Electric, later General Dynamics, for 40 plus years before retiring. Bob was a long time member of Christian Assembly Church. In 1971, he was one of the devoted men, who after a long day of work at GE, dedicated his evenings and weekends helping to construct their new building at 850 Williams Street. Over the many years he served as church board secretary, usher, counter and loved helping the food pantry ministry. If there was a job to do, Bob would be lending his hand. Over the years he was known as “Granddad” to five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was so proud of each of them; loved to tell them stories from his childhood, attend baseball games (often cheering the loudest), gymnastic recitals, waiting at the airport for one to come home from California and always looking forward to a visit from his oldest grandson from Vermont. Those who knew Bob had the privilege of knowing a wonderful caregiver to his wife and so many others, a very generous and friendly soul who loved to joke around and make people laugh. Often helping others in their time of need. In his free time, he loved tending to his flower garden and plants, spending vacations at the beach with his grandkids or taking leisure drives with his wife to Vermont. He leaves behind his loving wife of 58 years, Sue Howland; his daughters Cynthia A. Shaw (with husband Tim), Michelle F. Frieri (with husband Peter); grandkids Timmy Shaw Jr, Jacob and Rachel Shaw, Anthony and Anna Frieri; and great-grandkids Catherine and Joseph Shaw. He also leaves a brother, David Howland, a nephew, a great nephew and great niece. Bob will be truly missed and will forever be in our hearts, but because of Jesus Christ we have the hope and reassurance of all being together again one day. We would like to thank the staff at Springside Nursing Home for their loving care, the BMC E.R. and 2nd Floor West staff who treated our entire family with kindness and compassion. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Bob will be Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 11am at the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North Street, Pittsfield MA 01201. Burial will follow at Pittsfield Cemetery. Calling hours at the Dwyer Funeral Home will be Monday, April 13, 2026, from 4pm to 6pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Food Pantry Ministry or Missions Ministry of Christian Assembly Church, or Springside Nursing Home, through Dwyer Funeral Home.

Mr. Robert "Bob" Howland

February 28, 1945 - April 7, 2026