Bruce E. Robbins

Bruce E. Robbins, 83, of Springfield passed suddenly but peacefully on Friday, March 17, 2023 surrounded by close family.  Born in Needham, MA, he was the son of the late Edwin and Jean (nee Rogers) Robbins.  He grew up fishing, hunting and loving dogs, and passed those passions to both of his sons.  Bruce also enjoyed writing poetry and short stories related to his life experiences. 

After studying Arboriculture at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture, Bruce honorably served with the US Army on the Korean Peninsula early in the Vietnam Era.  An avid outdoorsman and green thumb, his professional career culminated as the Head Groundskeeper at Western New England College; after retirement, he twilighted with the Maintenance Crew at Franconia Golf Course.

Bruce is survived by his son, Colonel Matthew Robbins, US Marine Corps, daughter-in-law Casey, and granddaughters Kate, Reese, and Brynn of Stuttgart, Germany; his stepson Kyle Boardway, daughter-in-law Terri, and granddaughters Adrianna, Sophia, and Gianina of West Springfield, MA; and his stepdaughter, Commander Kelly Boardway, US Navy Retired, and son-in-law Captain Victor A. Lake, US Navy, of Las Vegas, NV; as well as his sister and her husband Charlene and Jim Miller of Centerville, MA.  He will be missed, but never forgotten.  We pray for Godspeed and find solace in faith that Bruce has gone to be reunited with his late wife, June (nee Tomassetti), and his predeceased son, Douglas Robbins of Chesterfield, MA.

A committal service will occur at the MA Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, MA on Friday, April 7th at 3 PM.  The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff of Heritage Woods and Heritage North, as well as Baystate Medical Center and so many others like Filomena Kelley, for their kindness and compassion in caring for Bruce and his family. Byron Keenan Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Springfield have been entrusted with the arrangements.