Wilfred E. “Bill” Robbins

Wilfred E. “Bill” Robbins, 88, of Troy, PA and formerly of Big Flats, NY, passed away on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at the Bradford County Manor in West Burlington, PA. He was the loving husband of Rose Marie (Haflett) Robbins. The couple married August 19, 1951 and had 60 happy years together. Family and friends are welcome to call from 11:00-12:00 pm on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at the Gerald W. Vickery, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. 1093 West Main Street Troy, PA. The funeral service to honor Bill’s life will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday September 17th at the funeral home with Pastor William Bardo of the First Presbyterian Church of Troy officiating. Burial will follow in Windfall Cemetery. Bill was born on January 1, 1923 in Columbia Cross Roads, PA, son of the late Howard and Lisle (Leonard) Robbins. He was a US Army veteran, serving his country at the end of World War II in the occupation and rebuilding of Germany. Before the war, Bill was a machinist for Troy Machine and after was a partner in the Elmira Aeronautical Corp. before retiring in 1987. Bill was a professional pilot, logging over 14,000 hours in the air. He was honored on several occasions by the FAA and belonged to several flying clubs. He was also a member of the Elks Club. Bill was an unassuming man, who loved, lived, and breathed aviation. “Wilbrod” was an inspiration and role model for many. An unsung hero who came to know the Lord one year ago. Bill is survived by his loving wife Rose Marie, his daughter Cathy J. (Dennis) Mahoney of Cranberry Township, PA, his sons: Steven Arthur Robbins of Elmira, NY, and David E (Peggy-Sue) Robbins of Sandpoint, ID, nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren, his brothers: Lee (Vivian) Robbins of Horseheads, NY and Clyde Robbins of Troy, PA, his sisters: Louise Phillips of Texas and Jeanne (Joel) Parker of Bridgeville, PA, along with several nieces, nephews, and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ray Robbins, his brother-in-law Fred Phillips, and his sisters-in-law Edith and Betty Robbins. Memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Ave. Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601-7633.