Ropbert Robinson III

Robert C. Robinson III, 67, beloved husband, dad and pappy passed away peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, April 5, 2016, surrounded by his loving family following a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Rob was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Virginia Robinson; brother and sister-in-law, John and Jackie Robinson and sister and brother-in-law, Rebecca and Tom Deamer. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of nearly 43 years, Barbara; his beautiful daughters, Heather Smith of Apex, NC and Kristen (Anthony) Coppola of Binghamton, NY; his precious grandchildren who were the light of his life, Sarah and Ethan Smith and Lydia, Anthony and Joseph Coppola. He will forever be their one and only “Pappy”. Rob is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Les Ehrets; sister-in-law, Fran Volosevich and many nieces and nephews he loved dearly. He will also be sorely missed by a lifetime of very dear friends and the Rob’s Market community. Rob grew up in Port Dickinson and graduated from Chenango Valley High School in 1966. He then obtained a job with Crystal Soda Company until he entered the United States Marine Corps on April 15, 1968. This led him to a thirteen month Tour of Duty in Vietnam where he served his country honorably. Due to an injury he sustained while in combat, he was awarded the Purple Heart Medal. After returning from Vietnam, Rob began a career in sales with Nabisco, Inc. and reconnected with the love of his life, Barbara. Rob and Barb were married on September 8, 1973. A short time after, Rob left Nabisco to accept a position with Thomas J. Lipton Inc. with whom he worked as a sales representative until he purchased his grocery store, Rob’s Market, located in Great Bend, PA in July 1988. Throughout the past 28 years, Rob became a strong pillar in the Great Bend/Hallstead, PA community. He knew most customers by name and will be fondly remembered for his everyday presence, warm smile, kindness and generosity. As an active member of the community, he served as an Associate Member on both the Board of People’s Bank and the Great Bend Ambulance. In addition, Rob supported many local organizations with donations for various causes. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Marine Corps League. More than anything else in the world, love for his family and friends meant the most to Rob. He and Barb loved to entertain and had countless gatherings throughout the years at their home. They also loved to travel and their most memorable trips include: Alaska, Hawaii, The Grand Canyon, Dominican Republic, Bar Harbor, ME and several cruises to the Caribbean. Their favorite vacation of all was their family trip to Disney World in March of 2013 with their precious grandchildren. Rob was an avid bowler and golfer. For the past 40 years he and a group of his closest friends went on an annual golf trip, first to Myrtle Beach and the last several years, to Orlando, FL. Rob loved the New York Yankees and for many years he helped coordinate a bus trip to Yankee Stadium for Old Timers Day. On September 24, 2014, Rob’s son-in-law, Anthony, was instrumental in having Rob honored as a Veteran on the field of Yankee Stadium, and on December 8, 2014, Rob’s biggest dream came true. He traveled to New York City to attend a Captains of New York event where he met Derek Jeter, Eli Manning and Mark Messier.

A celebration of Rob’s life is planned for Sunday, May 1 at the Double Tree by Hilton in Binghamton, NY at 1:00 PM. The family suggests donations in Rob’s memory be sent to: Fox Chase Cancer Center, Institutional Advancement Department, 333 Cottman Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19111. Donations will be directed to help advance Neuroendocrine research for future patients.