Robert Mackey, Sr.

On July 4, 2014, Gunnery Sergeant Robert William Mackey, Sr. (USMC, Retired) died peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous four year fight against cancer. Born on April 15, 1928, at St. Luke's Hospital in Pittsfield to Alice and Lawrence Mackey of Lenox, Mr. Mackey graduated from Lenox High School and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during his senior year, serving in the final stages of World War II. After serving in the Army during the Korean War, he became a career Marine, serving in the Vietnam War before retiring with 27 years of service in 1973. His military service made a deep and lasting impact on his life. He loved his country and was proud to have served. After returning to his beloved Berkshire County, he worked for the City of Pittsfield School Department as a custodian and stock room manager and later became a Real Estate Agent for Liberty Realty of Pittsfield, where he worked until close to the age of 80. In both positions, he enjoyed his many colleagues and friends. Mr. Mackey is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 60 years, Rita Marie Mackey (Gorman), of Pittsfield; his children Lawrence F. Mackey and his wife, Diane of Pittsfield; Kathleen M. Koscher and her husband, Charles of Lenox; Robert W. Mackey, Jr. and his wife, Holly of Hinsdale; Michele S. Dillon and her companion, Rick Cimini of Pittsfield, and Michael J. Mackey and his companion, Amy Sherwood of Alexandria, Va.; eight grandchildren of whom he was very proud, Silas and Caleb Mackey; Eric Koscher; Brian, Devin and Colin Mackey, and Emily and Erin Dillon; his brother, John Mackey and his wife, Shirley of Fredericksburg, Va.; sisters, Ruth Salvatore (predeceased by her husband, the late Anthony Salvatore, Sr.) of Lenox and Eleanor Carroll (predeceased by her husband, the late William Carroll, Sr.) of Chicopee; a large number of cherished nephews, nieces, and cousins; many good friends from far and wide, and his dog, Daisy Mae. Mr. Mackey was a communicant of St. Ann Parish in Lenox. He was a charter member of the Conklin, Lane, Coakley VFW Post 12079 in Lenox and a member of the Marine Corps League of Pittsfield. He loved attending these meetings with his friends and participating in activities with both organizations, including monthly meetings and the Memorial Day parade. An avid outdoorsman, he fished, hunted and walked his dogs as much as possible. He was a huge Sox fan, loved Cape Cod, played the guitar and the harmonica, was active in the Irish American Club, and loved to read, tell stories, keep up on current events, update everyone on the news of his children and grandchildren and spend time with his family. FUNERAL NOTICE: Calling hours for Mr. Mackey will be at ROCHE FUNERAL HOME in Lenox on Wednesday, July 9, from 4 to 7 p.m. Mr. Mackey's funeral, with full military honors, will be held on Thursday, July 10, at 10 a.m. from the funeral home, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Ann's Church, celebrated by the Rev. Christopher J. Waitekus. Burial will follow in St. Ann's Cemetery. On Mr. Mackey's behalf, the family would like to express its deepest appreciation to Dr. Harvey Zimbler and his colleagues and staff at Berkshire Hematology & Oncology; Dr. Jason Touhey and the entire 5 West team at Berkshire Medical Center; the emergency room and specialists with BMC and Baystate Medical Centers; Spring Side Rehabilitation Center and Hospice Care of the Berkshires. Lastly, the family expresses its great affection to Dr. Daniel Cohen and his team at Suburban Medical Center in Lee, MA., and will always be grateful to his Pastor, Fr. C. J. Waitekus, for all his compassion and thoughtfulness. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Care of the Berkshires or the Lenox VFW in Mr. Mackey's name through Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240.