Charles “Bob” Masolo, age 84, of Townsend

Charles Robert “Bob” Masolo, 84, passed away peacefully while at home on June 27, 2025. He was born in Whitehall, MT on Oct. 11, 1940 and was the second of three children born to Charles and Wilma Masolo who ranched near Silver Star. The family permanently moved to Winston MT where they continued ranching and that is where Bob grew up graduating from Broadwater County High School in Townsend. Bob remained on the ranch after high school and several years later began a nearly 62 year love story with Gay Ann Sullivan when they married in 1963.  They had one son, David Masolo.

Bob was a role model for the way he lived his life. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.  Bob was fair and honest.  He had such a tremendous sense of humor with a quick wit, especially among friends and family.  He was a favorite uncle, brother, and brother in law.  Bob was a friend to so many in the Broadwater County community as well as across the state of Montana. He was respected in agriculture circles, rodeo circles, and as a county road supervisor. He had tremendous reputation for operating and maintaining equipment and county roads.

Bob was a cattleman, horseman, County Brand Inspector (for 45 years), and a rodeo star. He was an integral member of the Broadwater Rodeo/Fair Board for many years helping to build the current rodeo grounds into what they are today. He won a countless number of buckles and was respected for his abilities, humility, and willingness to help others.  If you needed anything Bob would help you out whether it was some roping advice, the loan of equipment, or the loan of a horse.  He was gracious. He deflected any attention that might be thrown his way. He was inducted into the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2014 and at his induction he joked with his nephew that “now nobody has to worry about writing my obituary!”

Bob was a steward of the land. He cared deeply about grazing conditions, weed control, and habitat for wildlife.  He and Gay Ann had participated in Block Management for years earning the appreciation of outdoorsmen in the Helena/Townsend area for allowing them the privilege to hunt on private property.

Even though he enjoyed representing Broadwater County in the Centennial Cattle Drive of 1989 he also enjoyed traveling to see Australia, New Zealand, and taking cruises to Alaska and Disney World.  Being on the East Coast in Maine and seeing other states was another one of Bob’s favorites.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Wilma Masolo as well as his son and daughter-in- law: David and Pam Masolo. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gay Ann Masolo along with his Grandson Leandro Masolo, sister Phyllis Price, brother John (Carol) Masolo not to mention sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews. Anyone wishing to honor Bob’s memory is asked to make donation to the Michael J Fox Foundation, Parkinson Research, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014 or a memorial of your choice.  Funeral Mass will be held at 10 AM on Wednesday, July 2, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Townsend, MT with burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery with a reception to afterwards at Watson Center.

Though he will be dearly missed, family and friends need only remember how he lived his life and how he would want those left behind to forge ahead as he will always be in our hearts.

Service Schedule

Funeral Mass

10:00 am

Wednesday July 2, 2025

Holy Cross Catholic Church

101 S. Walnut Street

Townsend, MT 59644

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Graveside Service

Following Funeral Mass

Wednesday July 2, 2025

Holy Cross Cemetery

Townsend, MT 59644

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Funeral Reception

Following Graveside Service

Wednesday July 2, 2025

Watson Center

290 Litening Barn Road

Townsend, MT 59644

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