William Russell Robins Sr.

06/21/2006

William Russell Robins Sr., 83, of 48 Jordan Ave. died Wednesday at his home. Born in Dalton on March 25, 1923, son of Joseph and Agnes Carroll Robins, he was educated in Dalton schools. An Army veteran of World War II, he served from Dec. 31, 1942, to Oct. 25, 1945, as a staff sergeant with Battery A 109th AAA Battalion. During his tour of duty, he saw battle in the Ardennes, Central Europe, Normandy, Northern France and the Rhineland, and was awarded the American Service Medal and the European-African-Middle Eastern Service medals. Mr. Robins was employed by Crane & Co. Inc., for 52 years, retiring in April 1994 as a supervisor in the raw material department. From 1961 to 1978, he served as fire chief of the Hinsdale Fire Department. From 1958 to 1984, he was a commercial pilot and flight instructor for single and multi-engine aircraft in Berkshire County. He was a communicant of St. Patrick's Church, where he served as an usher. He was a member of the Dalton American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9566 in Dalton. He was also a member of the Pittsfield Musician's Union and the Bass Ridge Country Club, where he enjoyed golfing. Mr. Robins and his wife, the former Dorothy L. Garneau, were married Sept. 26, 1942, in St. Patrick's Church in Hinsdale. Besides his wife, he leaves a son, Daniel J. Robins Sr., of Hinsdale; three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. A son, William R. Robins Jr., died April 21, 1996, and another son, David M. Robins, died July 18, 2000. FUNERAL NOTICE -- Funeral services for William Russell Robins Sr., who died Wednesday, June 21, 2006, will be held Saturday, June 24, at 8 a.m. from DERY-FOLEY FUNERAL HOME, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 9 a.m. at St. Patrick Church in Hinsdale, celebrated by the Rev. Christopher A. Malatesta, pastor. Burial will follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr. Robins may be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires or to the Hinsdale Ambulance Service in care of the funeral home, 890 East Main St., Dalton, MA 01226. Mr. Robins leaves two daughters-in-law, Sheryl Robins and Mary Robins, and three grandchildren, Michelle Keifer, Dawn M. Avalle, and Daniel J. Robins Jr., as well as four great-grandchildren.

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William Russell Robins Sr.

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