William R. Robbins, Sr., 89, of Worcester, died Sunday, March 14th, 2010 in the Meadows of Leicester. His wife of 62 years, Shirley B. (Fuller) Robbins, died in 2007.

    He leaves a son, William R. Robbins, Jr. of Worcester; a daughter, Wendy E. Bosse and her husband Donald of Brookfield; a brother, Howard F. Robbins and his wife Eileen of Hampton Beach, NH and Bradenton, FL; a sister-in-law, Jean O. Burbank of Rochester, NY; five grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and nephews and nieces.

    Mr. Robbins was born in Worcester, the son of Charles and Helen (McCormick) Robbins. He was a graduate of South High School and Worcester Junior College. Mr. Robbins was a salesman for 52 years at Coughlin Electric until his retirement in 1986. He was a true patriot who loved his country, proudly serving during WWII in the Army-Air Corps from 1942-1945 as a waist gunner in a B-17 (The Lady Jeannette). A book titled "The Best Kept Secret of WWII" was written about him and his crew, depicting the Lady Jeannette's last flight.

    Mr. Robbins was a lifelong member of the WWII Military Museum and the 452nd Bomb Group Association. He was a lifelong member and past treasurer and trustee of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, a member of the Greendale Mens' Club and a former member of the Pine Ridge Country Club. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, vacationing in Hampton Beach and visits to the village of Scottsville, NY. Mr. Robbins had a good sense of humor and was an avid New England sports fan.

    A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 27th at 8:30 AM in Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1048 Main Street, Worcester. Burial will follow immediately after the service in Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue, Paxton. Calling hours are Friday, March 26th from 5:00 until 7:00 PM in O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Aldersgate Church Memorial Fund, 1048 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01603.