EASTHAMPTON – Robert J. “Bob” Kotfila, 86, of Easthampton, was Called Safely Home on Friday, April 17, 2026. He passed into Eternal Life at Baystate Medical Center surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Holyoke on November 12, 1939, a beloved son of the late Charles and Mae (Spinks) Kotfila. He was raised and educated in Holyoke and moved to Easthampton in 1977 where he lived the remainder of his life. He received his Associate’s Degree from Holyoke Community College. He served his country in the United States Navy and attained the rank of Aviation Electronics Technician Petty Officer 3rd Class. He was a member of the Ancient Order of the Deep, having crossed the Equator aboard the USS Wasp bound from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to Belgian Congo, Africa on July 17, 1960. He was a Police Officer for 33 years with the Holyoke Police Department and retired in 1997. He was a member of the Massachusetts Police Association. He loved woodworking and building things at his home, testing his luck at the casino, and traveling. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and many friends. He leaves his beloved wife and best friend, Elaine T. (LaBonte) Kotfila. They were married on June 23, 1973 and were blessed with over 52 years of happiness together. He also leaves his five loving and devoted children, John R. Kotfila and his wife, Theresa, of East Falmouth, MA, Michelle A. McCarthy of Newport News, VA, Robert C. Kotfila of Colorado Springs, CO, Mary Kay Benge and her husband, Kelvin, of Newport News, VA, and Daniel B. Burnette and his wife, Michelle, of South Hadley; his eleven cherished grandchildren, Michael Kotfila, Katlyn Grace Kotfila, Patrick Kotfila and his partner, Bridget Gavin, Robert Anderson, Courtney Rish and her husband, Derek, Brittany McCarthy and her partner, Ish Lopez, Shannon McCarthy and her partner, Gabe Ramos, Amanda Benge and her partner, Tyler Ball, Ashley Benge and her husband, Cillian Cotter, Jack Burnette and his wife, Jaysona, and Matthew Burnette; his seven cherished great grandchildren, Maren, Hailey, Tessa, Amir, Theo, Enzo, and Bryce; his two dear sisters-in-law, Joan Kotfila of Springfield and Rose Kotfila of Chicopee; his dear in-laws from the LaBonte family, Diane Whitacre of Holyoke, George LaBonte of Rockledge, FL, Suzanne Beaumier of Chicopee, Robert LaBonte and his wife, Cheryl, of Melbourne, FL, and Dennis Provost of Chicopee; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family members and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Napoleon and Lucille (Dame) LaBonte; his son-in-law, Jeffrey McCarthy; his grandson who was killed in the line of duty in Florida, Deputy Sheriff John R. Kotfila, Jr.; his siblings, Raymond Kotfila, Judith Wall, Gail Kotfila, and Thomas Kotfila; and his in-laws, Stanley Whitacre, Cheryl LaBonte, and Denise Provost. His relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service on Monday, April 27, 2026 at 9 a.m. at the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020 (funeral home will open at 8 a.m.). His Committal Service with United States Navy Military Honors will follow the Celebration of Life Service at 11 a.m. in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, April 26, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The funeral home parking lot and main entrance are located in the rear at 20 Lafayette Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to the Deputy John Kotfila Memorial Fund, 116 Goeletta Drive, East Falmouth, MA 02536. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com