Robert Szenkum

Robert (Bob) Szenkum, age 78, born in Lewiston, Maine on July 30, 1945, passed away at Bay Pines Veteran Hospital in Florida on June 20, 2024. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Philip and Lucienne “Lou” (Dupuis) Szenkum, and sister Lena Cooley.
He is survived by his brother Philip Szenkum of Pinellas Park, FL, his first wife and mother of his two children, Concetta (Connie) Szenkum and former wife Linda Szenkum, his children: Robin Jekot of Largo, FL and April Miles of Springfield, MA and fiancé Edward Lukas Sr., and 5 grandchildren: Kylie Jekot, Alyssa Bailey, Riley Miles, Melanie Miles, and Kalli Martin.
Bob moved to Springfield, MA in his pre-teen years where he graduated from Springfield Trade School. He served 3 years in the U.S. Army, ending his service with the rank of Specialist Fourth Class. He also served as a lifeguard while in the Army.
He was most proud of his accomplishments in diving. Throughout both his high school and Army days he competed in countless competitions, winning several awards for diving and swimming.
Bob was the original GPS! Having worked as a truck driver for over 30 years, he could give you directions to just about anywhere in New England without even looking at a map. He ended his career driving for Astro Chemical in Springfield.
After retiring he moved to Largo, Fl where he lived for the last 15 years. There, he became “Bob’s Taxi” where he escorted neighbors from his retirement community to and from the airport whenever needed. He also worked as a volunteer with the Largo Police Department.
Bob loved music whether it was singing, dancing or just sitting in his recliner listening to the oldies. He sang in the choir at St. Catherine’s church in Springfield, MA and at St. Matthew’s in Florida. Bob loved camping at Hammonasset Beach, sailing his catamaran, entertaining guests on the motorboat, fishing, watching the Patriots play, and hanging out on the party barge at “the camp” in Maine where he would visit his cousins every summer. He also enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Bob had a larger-than-life personality. He was often referred to as a character. He was always quick to crack a corny joke or flirt with the ladies. He was the king of inappropriate comments, or open mouth, insert foot behavior. Nevertheless, he was a generous soul who was always ready to lend a hand to help a friend or neighbor.
Visitation will be Wednesday, July 17 from 4-7:30 pm at Ratell Funeral Home at 200 Main Street, Indian Orchard, MA. Family and friends are invited to meet at St. Catherine of Sienna Church at 1023 Parker St., Springfield on Thursday, July 18 for a 10:30 Funeral Mass, with Rites of Committal to follow at Mass Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.