Clesson A. Robbins

WORCESTER - Clesson A. Robbins, 97, of Briarwood passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on Sunday, Jan. 6 from a short illness after a very long, happy and active life.

Born Feb. 6, 1921 to William A. and Mary Amelia (LaPoint) Robbins, he grew up in Charlton, lived in Auburn for 42 years and at Briarwood in Worcester for 22 years.

He leaves his beloved wife of almost six years, Elizabeth (McGilton) Spratt. He was predeceased by his first wife of 53 years, Jane (Maynard) Robbins in 2004 and by his niece, Carolyn Maynard in 1981.

In addition to his wife, Betty, he also leaves his four step-children, Dianne Stevens and her husband John Thibodeau of Dudley, Deborah King and her husband Glenn of Whitinsville, Barbara Brown and her husband Christopher of Holden and Norman “Skip” Spratt and his wife Dawn of Berlin, NJ; 8 step-grandchildren and 6 step-great-grandchildren; his two nieces, Patricia Bolack of N. Grafton and Beth Banker of Raymond, NH, and several great-nieces and nephews.

A World War II Navy veteran, Cless was in the Naval Air Squadron in the Pacific Theater under Com. David McCampbell of Air Group 15 serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS Essex.

He graduated from Charlton High School, Worcester Junior College and WPI from the School of Industrial Management. He was an engineer and plant manager for American Optical Co. in Southbridge where he worked for 35 years. He served as a liaison between WPI and American Optical.

He was active in many sports, an avid New England sports fan, loved golf, music and visits to Cape Cod.

At Briarwood, he served on the Board of Trustees, the Development Committee, the Buildings and Grounds Committee and was a leading force for many years of the Lend-A-Hand program which provides woodworking repairs and refinishing services for Briarwood residents and staff. He was a member of Salem Covenant Church serving on the Finance and Stewardship Committees. When he lived in Auburn he was on the Board of Trustees of Auburn Congregational Church. A man of honor and integrity, he was loved and respected by all who knew him.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Memorial Celebration at Briarwood Retirement Community, the Birches at 65 Briarwood Circle on Saturday, Jan. 12 at 11 a.m. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions can be made to Briarwood, payable to The Salem Community Corporation, 65 Briarwood Circle, Worcester, MA 01606 or to Salem Covenant Church, 215 East Mountain St., Worcester, MA 01606. Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden is assisting the family with arrangements.