Richard Downing Robbins, Sr.

Richard Downing Robbins, Sr. July 17, 1931 – September 17, 2017 Richard Downing Robbins, 86, of Wilson passed away Sunday. His memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 700 Nash Street, Wilson. The Very Reverend Bill John Acosta Escobar will officiate. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church. Richard served his country with honor and pride with the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He was employed by Parker Hannifin Company and Goshen Rubber Company. He was Vice President of Material Development until his retirement in 1997. Richard was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus #4660 and member of St. Therese’s Catholic Church He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to all that knew him. Richard will be deeply missed. Richard is survived by his loving wife of sixty-four years, Genevieve “Gen” Burger Robbins of the home; his children, Richard Downing Robbins, Jr., Al Robbins, Dan Robbins, and Kathy Joyce and husband, Darrell; his grandchildren, Chris and wife, Christin Joyce, and Andrea Robbins; great-grandchildren, Kiley, Macy and Tanner Joyce; his sisters, Toni Hilbert and husband, Joe of Westfield, Massachusetts, and Mary Green and husband, Amos of St. Meyers, Florida. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Robbins, his mother, Loretta Robbins Laino and step-father, Albert Laino, and his sister, Joan Pease and brother, Paul Robbins. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Richard’s honor can be directed to the Special Olympics of Wilson, PO Box 10, Wilson, North Carolina 27894. Condolences may be directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home at www.joyners.net.