NORWICH – Lawrence R. Robb, 83, of Norwich, passed away unexpectedly Monday morning, March 5, 2007 at his home.
A life-long Norwich resident, Larry was born on May 20, 1923, to James and Effie (Knapp) Robb. As a young boy, he liked to repair bicycles, and had won an arm band for plane spotting from the tower on West Hill. He graduated from Norwich High School in 1940 and worked for two and a half years for the W. H. Dunne Company in Norwich before joining the U.S. Army in January of 1943. Serving his country during World War II, Larry was proud of the fact that he served under General George Patton. Returning home in March of 1946 with his honorable discharge, Larry began his 30-year career in the auto body repair shop at Benedict Corporation in Norwich. He would later work briefly for TACO in Sherburne, and for 8 years for Simmonds Precision, the job from which he would retire. On May 20, 1944, in Greene, Larry married Marie Schroeder. As a youngster, Larry had learned carpentry from his father, and used it over the years to maintain and customize the house on Springvale Road where he and Marie spent over 50 years of their married life.
Larry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marie Robb of Norwich; by his children: Valerie Andrews and husband Steve of Exeter, Maine; Kathy Burdick and husband Harvey of Silver Springs, Fla.; and Stephen Robb and wife Cyndy of Statesville, N.C.; by 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; and by his sister: Jean Rivenburg and husband Floyd of Norwich. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Helen Engaard Robb of Oxford; his devoted dog, Shadow; and by niece, nephews, and cousins. Larry was predeceased by his sister, Dorothy Higgie Petry, and brothers Malcolm, Donald, and James Robb.
Graveside services for Larry will be held in the spring, at a time to be determined, from the Mt. Hope Cemetery. There will be no calling hours.
Arrangements are by the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.