Albert L. Robinson

MASSENA: Albert “Robby” L. Robinson, 88, of Clarkson Ave., Massena, died Thursday, January 28, 2021 at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital after a brief stay. Albert was born on April 19, 1932 in Malone, NY, the son of Joseph and Sadie (Peach) Robinson. He attended school at Franklin Academy in Malone, graduating in 1951 and served in the National Guard.

Albert married the love of his life, his “Buttercup”, Elizabeth Barber on July 7, 1959 at St. Mary’s Church in Massena. He was employed as a security guard at General Motors until his retirement in 1985 and then for Alcoa until 1994. He and his wife Betty owned and operated Robinson’s Green House on Woodlawn Avenue for 10 years.

He was a talented carpenter, and built his family camp at Fraser’s Point, Canada in 1960, where so many wonderful memories were made. He loved spending time with his family and friends on the St. Lawrence River from late spring to mid fall every year. He had a tremendous love for the outdoors and particularly boating and fishing. He had the patience of a saint when fishing with his children and grandchildren, by untangling fishing lines from the moment everyone put a pole in the water. In spite of this, he always had a smile on his face and managed to catch the
most fish out of everyone in the boat.

Albert and Betty enjoyed attending weekly Friday evening gatherings with special friends the last several years. He especially appreciated the many rides and assistance provided by Ray Brais and Bruce Bombard after he lost his sight.

Albert was always willing to help anyone who needed it. He was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Massena, volunteering to serve on many different committees and working various parish events. He was a member of St. Lawrence Council #1141 Knights of Columbus in Massena, where he was a Fourth Degree Knight and was awarded “Knight of the Year” in 2001 for his dedication and service to the organization. Albert was an EMT and volunteered with the Massena Rescue Squad. He was also a member of the AMVETS Post #4 and of the Senior Citizens Council.

Albert is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Betty) of 61 years; three daughters, Mariann Witkop and husband, H. John, Carolyn Jermano and husband, Giovanni, Diane Acton and husband, John, all of Massena; a son, Patrick Robinson and wife, Lori of Morrisonville, NY; 10 grandchildren, Nathan (Erika) Witkop, Robbie (AnaMaria) Witkop, Zachary and Jacob Witkop, Bettina and Mia Jermano, Nathaniel (Mihaela) Spadafore, Leah (Wiseh) LaFrance, Sadie and Samuel Robinson, and six great granddaughters, Aurora, Tala, Liliana, Georgiana, Maria and Sandy.

He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Joyce Robinson of Malone and many nieces and nephews.

Albert is predeceased by his parents, his brothers, Earl, Floyd, Vern and Leon Robinson; his sisters, IdaMae Fleury, Evelyn Raymond and Orphia Zawadski and his son in law, Sandy Spadafore.

A pillar of strength for his wife, children and grandchildren, he was deeply loved and respected and will be greatly missed by us all.

Due to Covid, services will be announced and held at a later date. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery, Massena in the spring.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to St. Peter’s Parish (St. Mary’s Church) P.O. Box 329, Massena, NY 13662.