Robert "Skip" B. Bristol

Mr. Robert B. “Skip” Bristol, age 71, of Pittsfield died on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 with his family by his side after courageously fighting a long illness.

He was born in Washington, DC a son of the late Robert S. and Pearl (Fortney) Bristol and was raised by Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Gavin from birth.

Skip went to work at as a young man and worked for 40 years in janitorial services. He started his career at Berkshire Medical Center, and he was also the pitcher for the BMC softball team. After 20 years at the hospital he began working for JaniTech.

Skip was a terrific cook. Whether he was making breakfast for his entire family or an Italian dinner consisting of his famous sausages, meatballs and sauce, he was happiest when in his kitchen.

He adored the time he spent with his grandchildren and was an avid sports fan. There were countless trips up and down the Mass Pike with his sons and grandsons to cheer on the Boston Red Sox and he was a big fan of the New York Giants. Skip also loved watching the horses race and took pride in teaching his family about the different betting options. Additionally, he enjoyed playing pool and will be remembered by many for the various bowling leagues he participated in.

Skip’s twin grandsons, Ant and Tim, were the light of his life. Their bond was unmatched and over the last few months when Skip was so sick, they were right by his side making sure he had everything he could ever need.

He loved county music, especially Elvis Presley, and enjoyed taking his family to the local county fairs. Skip married his one and only sweetheart, the former Carol M. Hoag, on February 28, 1966. This coming year would have been their 55th wedding anniversary.

In addition to his wife Carol, Skip is survived by his children, Tina Bristol, Bobby Bristol, Jr. and Michael (Lisa) Bristol, his beloved grandchildren, Anthony (Sharell) Carnute, Timothy Carnute, Joshua and Jenna Dellert, Jaren Bristol, Joey Marie Catalano and Brady Bristol, and his great grandchildren, Meadow, Carmine, Nikolas Jr. and Nikolo. He also leaves his goddaughter, Sara Esko, his half siblings, Nancy (Jim) Henneborn, Billy Bristol, Dot Stroup, Lila (Dave) Catalano and Linda (Will) Smith, and many nieces and nephews.

Skip was predeceased by his grandson, Nikolas Carnute, his sister, Theresa Bristol, and siblings in the Gavin family.

The Bristol family would like to extend a special thanks to Skip’s close friend, Peter Dimitropolis, for the many years of friendship and for helping to care for him over these last few months. They would also like to thank the Visiting Nurses Association for the compassion they showed in caring for Skip so he could remain at home.

SERVICES: Due to the restrictions put in place for Covid-19, there will be a graveside service for Skip on WEDNESDAY, November 18th at 1 PM at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Friends who would like to join with the family, please meet inside the cemetery gates at 12:45 and remember that social distancing and masks will be required. There will be a larger celebration of Skip’s life at a later date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, in care of the Devanny-Condron Funeral Home, 40 Maplewood Ave. Pittsfield, MA 01201