Rupert H. Robinson of Oak Bluffs died May 8 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. He would have celebrated his 88th birthday on May 22.
Born in Worcester, Rupert was the son of Rupert W. Robinson and Marion F. Robinson. He attended Classical High School and Worcester Junior College. After enlisting in the Navy in 1942 he was stationed in Newfoundland, Canada during World War II. Upon returning home, Rupert was employed by the family business of Jenkins & Robinson Automotive Distributors of Worcester. He later became a sales representative for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, retiring in 1988 after 25 years.
Eileen W. Sibley of Edgartown and Rupert were married in 1948. They lived off-Island for many years in Holden before calling a cottage in the Camp Ground in Oak Bluffs home in 1995.
A mason for 66 years and a past master of Quinsigamond Lodge of Worcester, Rupert also enjoyed being a member of Worcester Sales Executive Club, Tatnick Island Club (president), Holden Nimrod Sportsman’s Club (president) and Holden Congregational Church. On Island he belonged to the Rod and Gun Club, Oriental-Martha’s Vineyard Lodge, Mink Meadows Golf Club and United Methodist Church of Martha’s Vineyard.
Rupert loved the outdoors. His favorite activities were camping (Masonic National Camping Travelers member), fishing, shell fishing, hunting, skiing (25 year national ski patrolman), sailing and golfing. He was especially proud of the hole-in-ones he scored twice in his life. Rupert loved to travel. He and Eileen camped throughout the United States and had four wonderful trips abroad, making lasting friendships wherever he went. Rupert was a handyman, always with a project at home or for his children. He loved playing cards or board games with family and friends, and was sometimes a stickler for “his” rules.
Rupert loved people. He was happy at any social event where he could mingle, as well as sitting on his porch talking with everyone who strolled by. He wasn’t always good with a name, but he knew a face, recalling the connection. Rupert loved life and he had an active, happy and loving journey.
Rupert was predeceased by his brother Rollins Robinson of Shrewsbury, sister Jane Joudrey of Auburn and sister Martha Hein of Concord, N.H. He is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Eileen; son R. Dana Robinson and his wife, Eunice, of Madisonville, Tenn.; daughter Jennifer Robinson and her husband, Ashow, of St. John U.S. Virgin Islands; daughter Betsy Wagoner of Hopkinton; and daughter Anne Bena and her husband, Tom, of Clifton Park, N.Y. There are nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Interment will take place June 29 at the Edgartown Westside Cemetery at 11 a.m. A celebration of life will take place at the Trinity Methodist Church in the Camp Ground at 2 p.m., followed by a reception.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Rupert’s memory to the United Methodist Church of Martha’s Vineyard, the Tabernacle Restoration Fund of the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association or the Edgartown Anchors Supportive Day Care Program.
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