AGAWAM – After 21 years of service with the Council on Aging and Senior Center on Main Street, Armand Robert has decided to retire.

Throughout his career as a front desk greeter, Robert said he learned how to properly become a “front-line defense” for those visiting the Senior Center. He developed relationships with Agawam residents, and began to understand the town’s dynamic over the course of his tenure, he said.

“I have had the privilege of meeting so many nice people in the town of Agawam,” said Robert. “People come in the door, you got to have an answer for whatever they want, if you don’t, then you got to check on it.”

According to Robert, the goal of a front desk greeter is to be as “polite” and “courteous” as possible. The longtime East Longmeadow resident was able to develop these skills and attributes through previous jobs, all the way up until his first retirement at 63 years old.

“That’s my ballgame,” said Robert. “I get down, I talk to people, I enjoy people, and at the same time, I’m providing a service.”

Robert, who grew up in Holyoke and graduated from Holyoke High School, started working part time at 16 years old for First National Stores, which was a little corner store with two registers and one big refrigerator. The store was a part of a large grocery chain in the northeast that operated for the majority of the 20th century, according to Groceteria. Robert said that he would deliver groceries by cart during his time with the corner store.

From there, Robert was promoted to a full-time clerk at a larger store, and eventually earned district manager status with 13 different supermarkets. This is where he would learn how to converse with customers, and offer service while on the floor.

“When I was store manager in the supermarket, I was on the floor more than in my office,” said Robert. “I lived in a world where you knew the customer.”

One month after his first retirement, Robert wanted to find something to do. He was officially hired as a greeter at the Senior Center in 1999.

According to Robert, one of the best parts about working as a greeter at the Senior Center is knowing everything that is going on in town, even though he does not live there.

“I enjoy people,” said Robert. “I’m outgoing in a quiet sort of way…This is a people business, and you have to be on guard at all times to make sure that you’re not offending anybody, and giving them the kind of service they deserve.”

Having worked at the center for 21 years, Robert said that he has experienced the loss of many friends that he got to know over the last couple of decades.

“I’ve met some very nice people, and it’s a very nice town,” said Robert, when referring to Agawam. “The politicians have been wonderful.”

Because it has been quiet due to COVID-19’s lingering presence, Robert said that he tries to keep busy as much as possible. If he sees someone who needs help outside, he will take a walk to the window, put his mask on, and direct them the best way he can.

"This relieves some of the boredom,” said Robert. “I’m in the people business, so I have to be busy, even if it is walking and looking out the window.”

Robert has lived in East Longmeadow for 58 years with his wife, and four children. His longtime co-worker and counterpart, Marsha Tangredi, a resident of Agawam, is someone who has shared responsibilities with Robert throughout these past two decades. He said that she has played a large part in his enjoyment at the center, and wants to thank her for everything she has done for him.

The front desk job, according to Robert, was a culmination of everything he enjoyed doing in life, especially when it came to customer service. As he heads into retirement, Robert said he is in good health, and wants to “thank everyone for their kindness” over the years.