Robert J. Booth

On Sunday, November 17, 2024, Robert “Bob” Joseph Booth, beloved Elder, mentor, and teacher, passed away at the age of 87 at Springside Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

Robert was born April 21, 1937, in Hampton, Virginia, to Robert Sherman and Lillian (Clinkscales) Booth.

Throughout his school years he maintained high grades in all subjects,  and represented several extra-curricular clubs at state conventions.  He was a high school graduate of Thomas C. Walker School, in Gloucester, Virginia, class of 1955. 

Following his graduation from high school he joined the U. S. Air Force with the intent of making the military his life’s purpose. 

While stationed in Frankfurt, Germany he met Erna Heinrich at a party, and the two quickly formed a romantic relationship that led to marriage.  In the spring of 1960, their first and only child was born, and Bob felt it best that his young family settle in Massachusetts near Westover Air Force Base. 

In 1961 a knock on their door introduced them to Jehovah’s Witnesses. Bob readily agreed to a Bible Study, carefully absorbing what he was learning, and then passed on his conviction to his young family, and later, to his sister and mother.

Bob also respectfully explained to his superior officers why he wanted to change from making the military his life’s work to become a minister.  While serving on his second enlistment, he was honorably discharged in 1962.

That same year Bob and Erna were baptized as Jehovah’s Witnesses, and together built a life of spiritual wealth and faithful service.  Bob is well remembered for his dynamic talks at our assemblies and conventions.  Many fondly treasure him for his approachableness, his patient listening skills, and his conversational quality with those he worked with and met in his field ministry.  His demeanor was dignified, his dress and grooming impeccable.

Bob is pre-deceased by his father, Robert Sherman Booth, his sister, Dora, his mother, Lillian, and his faithful wife and companion of 46 years, Erna.  He is survived by his daughter and her husband, Lillian and Ralph Bruno, his niece and her husband, Kellie and Eddie Kitrell, and close cousins, Emma Booth Smith of Pennsylvania, and Harriott Lomax of Virginia.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. EST at the Sanderson St. Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Springfield, Massachusetts.

In lieu of flowers and gifts please use the money for disaster relief by donating to:  donate.jw.org/worldwide work.

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