John Joseph Bobala

John Joseph Bobala, 83, of Northampton, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday July 20, 2026, at his home. He was born in Holyoke on February 24, 1943, to the late Joseph and Jane (Tambor) Bobala. He grew up in Holyoke and graduated from Northampton High School before completing postgraduate studies at Smith Vocational High School in 1964. After high school, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served as a fleet mechanic. Following his military service, he returned home and worked for 10 years as a truck mechanic for the former Dreikorn’s Bread Company in Holyoke. John was once asked to teach students in the automotive department at Smith Vocational for what was expected to be a short time. That temporary assignment became a 30-year teaching career. Over the years, he taught countless students, including more than 15 years of night school, and in 1994 he helped start a program to repair local police vehicles. Known affectionately to many students as “Mr. B,” John was a dedicated and respected teacher who also became a father figure to many. His strict, structured approach to instruction left a lasting impression and continues to be remembered by his former students. Farming and the meadows were always an important part of John’s life. He enjoyed working the land, repairing tractors, and fixing almost anything brought to him—skills that reflected both his resourcefulness and his way of life. He also loved spending time at the Three County Fair, where he enjoyed talking with everyone he met and always made a point to ask how they and their families were doing. Although John could have a tough exterior and was sometimes affectionately described as stubborn, he was always there for anyone in need. His faith brought comfort to many people and gave him peace during his illness. He will be deeply missed by all who have had the chance to be part of his life. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 57 years, Karen (O’Connor) Bobala of Northampton, his sons, Andrew Bobala of Northampton, Kevin Bobala and his wife Ginger of Choctaw, OK, Edju Bobala and his wife Wendy of Millers Falls, his daughter, Kari Bobala-LaBarge and her husband Lyle of Northampton, 9 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, his brother, Charles Bobala of Easthampton, sisters, Carol Miller and her husband Richard of Phoenix, AZ, Marie St. Peters and her husband Bruce of S. Deerfield, and Patricia Nowak and her husband Adrian of Northampton, as well as several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Joanne Wall. Calling hours will be Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 2PM – 6PM at the DROZDAL FUNERAL HOME, 120 Damon Rd., Northampton. Funeral will be Monday July 27, 2026, from 10:00 AM at the Funeral Home, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial celebrated at Annunciation Chapel, 85 Beacon St., Florence at 12 PM. Burial with Military Honors will be private for the family at the Massachusetts Veteran Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to Shriners Children’s Hospital, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104 or to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Attn: Capital Campaign, 85 Beacon St., Florence, MA 01062. For more information or to share a personal condolence with the family, please visit Drozdalfuneralhome.com.

John Joseph Bobala

February 24, 1943 - July 20, 2026