Robert McNinch, 76

LENOX, Mass. — Bob McNinch, co-owner and operator of Eastover Resort from 1983-2000, died early Wednesday morning, July 18, 2018, at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, surrounded by his loving family. 

He was the husband of Susan (Bisacca) McNinch, a former Lenox selectman, and the father of Paige (McNinch) Waugh of Charlotte N.C., and Rob McNinch of Huntington Beach, Calif., and John McNinch of Lenox.

Born in Atlanta, Ga., on December 31, 1941, Bob was the son of William and Jessie McNinch. He was one of three brothers: William of Georgetown, Texas, and the late John McNinch, Bob’s twin brother. 

Never one to draw attention to himself, Bob had an amazing ability to make strangers feel like friends. When you spoke to him, he listened as if you were going to tell the most interesting story or funniest joke he’d heard all day. He was grateful for the life he had, and especially for his family and friends.

In the early 1960s, Bob learned of a resort in Lenox, Mass., that was recruiting Southerners for its summer staff. The owner, George Bisacca, liked the Southerners’ manners and drawl, and paid bonuses for dressing up in Confederate uniforms for weekly Civil War skirmishes at Eastover. Because of a prior commitment, Bob wasn’t able to start work on the required date, so he sent his twin brother in his place. A week later, the two of them walked into George’s office and confessed their deception. Amused, George immediately offered John a job, too, and the two used their likeness to play tricks on guests.

George was not so amused, however, when Bob eloped with his 19-year-old daughter, Susan. It took two years, and the sight of a granddaughter, before George was willing to welcome them back to Eastover. 

During the 1970s, Eastover was a major participant in Berkshire County parades. George Bisacca came up with the ideas, but it was Bob who made them happen. He oversaw the construction of the floats, including a Union Pacific train, and organized every detail of getting the equipment to and from the parade routes. He also organized the firing of Eastover’s cannons during the 1812 Overture at Tanglewood Music Festival.

In 1999, Bob got in a “wrestling match” with a pet Jersey Steer, landing him in Massachusetts General for 72 days with several broken ribs and a collapsed lung. He fought hard and made a full recovery, proving once again, it’s tough to keep a good man down.

In addition to his role at Eastover, Bob also served as a director of the former Lenox National Bank in Lenox, a member of the Lenox Zoning Board (22 years), president and board member of Porchlight Visiting Nurse Association, a proud member of UNICO, and active member of the Church on the Hill, not to mention an avid member of the “Health Club.” During his retirement years, he kept the books for his son John’s restaurant, The Heritage Tavern in Lenox. 

Bob also answered to Pop Pop, Bobby Boy, Uncle Bob, and “Jesus, Bob.”

Besides his wife and children, Bob is survived by his brother Bill; his sister-in-law Ticki Winsor of Lenox; nine grandchildren: Emma, Alec, Sam and Parker Waugh; Rory, Trey and Kate McNinch; Tucker and Connor McNinch; a daughter-in-law, Jackie McNinch; his special great-niece and housemate Lindsey Kelly; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral notice: Funeral arrangements are by Roche Funeral Home. Services for Bob will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 21, 2018, at The Church on the Hill in Lenox. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Porchlight VNA in Lee and or The Church on the Hill in Lenox, via Roche Funeral Home.