Dr. Robert S. Shurtleff

Dr. Robert S. Shurtleff, DVM., age 76, passed away peacefully at his home with the love and comfort of his family beside him.  Robert was born on October 8, 1949, in Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania, son of the late Stanley J. Shurtleff and Thurley (Blanchard) Shurtleff.  From an early age, Robert loved, cared and was interested in taking care of animals.  He received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1983 from Washington State University.  Dr. Shurtleff practiced veterinary medicine for 44 years.  He owned and operated Eastfield Hospital for Animals on Boston Road in Springfield for over 30 years.  Dr. Shurtleff believed, nurtured and promoted the human and animal bond. He went above and beyond when he helped the elderly and their pets stay together. Dr. Shurtleff loved to teach and demonstrate animal care to children.  He loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  They affectionately called him "Pepe", a term he cherished most.  Robert leaves behind his beloved wife of 30 years, Theresa R. (Mercure) Shurtleff, his children:  Brian Rheaume and his wife, Brenda, Jacquline Smith and her husband Robert, Daniel Rheaume and his wife Tina, and Stephanie Murphy and her husband, Andrew.  Robert leaves behind his 13 grandchildren:  Hennessy, Devin, May, Hailey, Sophia, Andrew, Julia, Annabella, Cody, Gabriel, Mya, Caresa and Miles, and great-grandchildren:  Selah, Lila and Malachi. Robert is also survived by his siblings, Charles Roche, Barbara Livezey and Elizabeth Winter.  A Gathering of Family and Friends will take place on Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 12 noon until 1 pm in St. Mary's Church, 57 South St., Ware, MA.  A Funeral Mass will be offered at 1 pm by Fr. Piotr Pawlus in St. Mary's Church, 57 South St., Ware, MA.  Burial will take place this spring in St. Mary's Cemetery, Ware.  Memorial Donations may be made in Dr. Shurtleff's Memory to either St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, or the Westfield Homeless Cat Project, or any animal charity of your choice.  Funeral Arrangements and Services are under the direction of Cebula Funeral Home of Ware.  For more information and an online guest book, please visit:  www.cebulafuneralhome.com 

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