Robert J. Picknally passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 10, at Chesnuthill of East Longmeadow at the age of 87. Born on August 16, 1933 in East Orange, NJ, a son of William Picknally, first General Manager for Peter Pan Bus Lines, and Vincie (Nannini) Picknally a well-known drape and curtain maker. Robert moved to Springfield with his family on his 10th birthday. He attended Springfield Schools and graduated from Classical High School in 1952 with a Horace Smith Scholarship. Robert moved to East Longmeadow on his 21st birthday in 1954, and has resided there ever since. He attended and graduated from Westfield State University in 1956, after being named who's who in American Colleges and Universities. Upon graduation from Westfield, he entered the U.S. Army. He arrived in South Korea as an education specialist. Upon returning home, he began a twofold career in education and military. Robert was a teacher in the Chicopee Public School System. An instructor at Eastern Connecticut State University. Then held various leadership positions, Curriculum Coordinator, School Principal Assistant Superintendent, and Educational consultant. During his time in Education, he received his Master's Degree at Westfield State, Sixth certificates at the University of Connecticut. And completed his Doctoral Courses in Education Administration from Boston College. Upon Returning from Korea, he joined the Air force Reserve and soon received a deserving Airman's Commission as an Education Officer. He held many positions, Instructor at Air War College, Education Officer at Westover Air Force Reserve Base, Education Officer for the State of Connecticut, Office of Emergency Management, Air Force Academy Admissions Officer, Reserve member and finally at the Air Force U.S. Office of Emergency Management at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Over the years, he was active in many organizations, the Knights of Columbus, Westfield State Alumni, Mass Council for Public Justice, Local and State Republican Party, Western Mass Retired Teachers Association, and Military Officers Association. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Carmen Picknally. He leaves his sister, Jean Montana of East Longmeadow, many nieces, nephews, and cousins both in New England and New Jersey. Family and friends are invited to gather on Wednesday, July 14, for calling hours for Robert from 5-7 p.m. at Hafey Springfield Chapels, 494 Belmont Avenue. Robert's funeral will be held on Thursday, July 15, beginning at 8:30 a.m. from the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Michaels' Church, 128 Maple St., East Longmeadow. Burial with military honors will follow immediately after the Mass at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Springfield. Instead of flowers, consider donations to The Retirement Home for Filippini Sisters, 455 Western Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960 or pay a visit to an elderly person living alone. www.hafeyfuneralservice.com