Obituary for Robert J. "Rob" Mickle, Jr.
Robert James Mickle Jr., 61, passed away on February 10 after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded for several days by his loving family and devoted friends.
A native of Pittsfield, MA, he was born on October 20, 1961, the eldest son of Robert and Nancy Foley Mickle. He was a graduate of St. Joseph’s High School, where he excelled at sports, particularly basketball, which was his favorite. After receiving his Bachelor Degree from Franklin Pierce College, Rob served his country as a sergeant in the 3/4th ADA at Fort Bragg, NC in the 82nd Airborne Division, as well as with the 159 ADA in Wackenhaim, Germany. Robert took full advantage of his leave times, skiing in Bavaria, Austria and Switzerland. He visited Paris and London, fished in the Baltic Sea, and attended a bull fight in Barcelona. However, his fondest memory of his time in Europe was his participation in Octoberfests.
Upon his return from overseas, Rob enrolled in Antioch University in Keene, New Hampshire, where he received his Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. He served his community as a clinical therapist in the Behavioral Psychiatric Unit at Berkshire Medical Center for over 30 years. He was deeply involved with many local organizations, including the Pittsfield Sportsman’s Club, American Legion Post 68, and youth sports.
Rob’s enthusiasm for life is exemplified by his many hobbies. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, a talented artist, gardener and story teller. He was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Lanesboro. Most of all, Rob was devoted to his family and the many friends who were especially important to him during his challenging journey.
Rob leaves his wife of 22 years, Janet Wroblewski Fish Mickle. Ann Scanlon was the mother of his two sons, Travis and Luke Mickle, from his first marriage. His daughters-in-law are Taren Mickle and Melanie Dean. He has been very close with his two stepsons, Eric and Brian Fish, and their spouses, Sara and Justine. He loved his relationship with his grandson, Michael Fish of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. They enjoyed teasing about Red Sox versus Yankees, Rob, the eternal Red Sox fan. At times, they agreed upon the validity of the Celtics and the Patriots.
He is also survived by his two brothers, Andy and John Mickle.
Rob and his family have been particularly grateful for the care he received through the Cancer Center and the HospiceCare in the Berkshires as well as through Berkshire Medical Center.
FUNERAL NOTICE: Calling hours will be held, Thursday, February 16, 2023 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield. A church service and burial will be held at a later date in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rob’s name to the HospiceCare in the Berkshires in care of the funeral home. The physical and emotional support given to Rob and his family, was greatly appreciated.
A native of Pittsfield, MA, he was born on October 20, 1961, the eldest son of Robert and Nancy Foley Mickle. He was a graduate of St. Joseph’s High School, where he excelled at sports, particularly basketball, which was his favorite. After receiving his Bachelor Degree from Franklin Pierce College, Rob served his country as a sergeant in the 3/4th ADA at Fort Bragg, NC in the 82nd Airborne Division, as well as with the 159 ADA in Wackenhaim, Germany. Robert took full advantage of his leave times, skiing in Bavaria, Austria and Switzerland. He visited Paris and London, fished in the Baltic Sea, and attended a bull fight in Barcelona. However, his fondest memory of his time in Europe was his participation in Octoberfests.
Upon his return from overseas, Rob enrolled in Antioch University in Keene, New Hampshire, where he received his Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. He served his community as a clinical therapist in the Behavioral Psychiatric Unit at Berkshire Medical Center for over 30 years. He was deeply involved with many local organizations, including the Pittsfield Sportsman’s Club, American Legion Post 68, and youth sports.
Rob’s enthusiasm for life is exemplified by his many hobbies. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, a talented artist, gardener and story teller. He was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Lanesboro. Most of all, Rob was devoted to his family and the many friends who were especially important to him during his challenging journey.
Rob leaves his wife of 22 years, Janet Wroblewski Fish Mickle. Ann Scanlon was the mother of his two sons, Travis and Luke Mickle, from his first marriage. His daughters-in-law are Taren Mickle and Melanie Dean. He has been very close with his two stepsons, Eric and Brian Fish, and their spouses, Sara and Justine. He loved his relationship with his grandson, Michael Fish of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. They enjoyed teasing about Red Sox versus Yankees, Rob, the eternal Red Sox fan. At times, they agreed upon the validity of the Celtics and the Patriots.
He is also survived by his two brothers, Andy and John Mickle.
Rob and his family have been particularly grateful for the care he received through the Cancer Center and the HospiceCare in the Berkshires as well as through Berkshire Medical Center.
FUNERAL NOTICE: Calling hours will be held, Thursday, February 16, 2023 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield. A church service and burial will be held at a later date in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rob’s name to the HospiceCare in the Berkshires in care of the funeral home. The physical and emotional support given to Rob and his family, was greatly appreciated.