MONSON - Steven P. "Steve" Robert, 71, of Monson, was Called Safely Home on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. He passed into Eternal Life at home surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He lived the past four years with cancer with determination, courage and optimism with the treatments and related challenges. He was born in Springfield on April 19, 1952, a beloved son of the late Omer F. and Claire E. (Bradley) Robert. He was raised in Springfield, graduated from the former Springfield Technical High School in 1970 and had lived in Springfield before moving to Monson in 2005. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and attained the rank of Sergeant. He received the National Defense Service Medal. While serving in the Marines, he was a member of the 100 Mile Running Club which consisted of running 100 mile increments of not less than 3 non-stop miles. He ran a total of 1100 miles in 248 days and remained a dedicated runner for many years. He was employed by the City of Springfield as a Firefighter with the Springfield Fire Department for 20 years. In the 1980's, he was a pitcher for the slow pitch league for the Dory Lounge in Springfield. During his leisure time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking and listening to oldies including The Little River Band, Chicago and The Doobie Brothers. He also enjoyed woodworking, gardening and feeding the local wildlife. Everyone knew where to find Steve at the barbeque grill making the best chicken wings. Steve was a generous person with his time and was always willing to help someone out. He was known for his slightly warped sense of humor but he shared many good times and good laughs with everyone. Above all, he loved spending time with his family and his many friends. He leaves his beloved longtime partner, Gloria J. Salemi; his loving step son, Dominick J. Salemi and his wife, Nanette, of Suffield, CT; his two cherished step granddaughters, Gianna and Vanessa Salemi; his dear brother, David A. Robert and his wife, Tonya, of Enfield; his two cherished nephews, Nicholas Robert and his wife, Katie, of Somers, CT and Joshua Robert of Enfield; his cherished grand nephew, Lachlan Robert; and his many dear extended family members and friends. He will also be deeply missed by his beloved feline fur babies, his cats Violet and Tara. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his eight beloved cats, Sam, Midnight, Shadow, Oscar, Felix, Figaro, Napoleon and Cleo. His relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. at the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107, (funeral home will open at 8:30 a.m.). His Committal Service with United States Marine Corps 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 Tuesday, August 29, 2023 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that memorial donations be made in his memory to the Gary Sinise Foundation, PO Box 40726, Nashville, TN 37204 or the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, 555 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven, CT 06511. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com