Robert Emil Quillard

Sir Robert "Bob" Emil Quillard, 96, of Boca Raton, Florida, and formerly of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully February 27 at home, surrounded by loved ones. He was the beloved husband of Mildred "Millie" (Nigrelli) Quillard for seventy-two years.

Bob was born in Pittsfield, the son of the late Emil and Virginia (Jaccoz) Quillard. He was a graduate of Pittsfield High School, Class of 1942. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army, fighting on the European front during World War II, and earning a Bronze Star. After the war, his plan of going to accounting school was set aside when his father asked him to help out at the family business Quillard Brothers Garage, founded in 1927, where Bob eventually assumed ownership with his cousin, James Quillard. Upon retirement in the early 1980s, Bob and Millie relocated to Boca Raton where he set up a handyman business, helping many seniors with household repairs. Their summers were spent in Massachusetts visiting children and grandchildren.

Bob was a true gentleman who was a loving and supportive presence to his family. He led a full and active life up until his last year. He was awarded the French Legion of Honor medal at age 88 for his service in France during WWII. He was a Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus, a longtime volunteer at a thrift shop whose proceeds benefit the Boca Raton Regional Hospital, a volunteer election poll worker, a board member of his neighborhood home owners’ association, as well as a member of several social clubs.  For fourteen years, Bob and Millie counseled engaged couples through their church. Bob was skilled at anything mechanical, enjoyed music, reading, nature, cars, and his grandchildren’s dogs, Zoey and Lulu. He was quick to laugh and equally as quick with a witty comeback. Bob was a master salmon griller, and his love of whipped cream and pie was legendary.

In addition to his devoted wife, Millie, Bob is survived by his children, Judith Quillard, Joy Quillard Ferrucci and her husband Dr. Ronald Ferrucci, Jon Quillard and his wife Martha Seely, as well as grandchildren Dr. Gregory Ferrucci and Alison Ferrucci, and great-grandchild Sophia Ferrucci. Bob is also survived by his sister, Marjorie Rutka, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother Norman Quillard.

Due to the family's concern for the wellbeing of everyone during the pandemic, the funeral Mass in Boca Raton will be private.  Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Pittsfield at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to the Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation, 800 Meadows Road, Boca Raton, FL 33486 or www.donate.brrh.com. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Emil Quillard, please visit our floral store.