Joseph Robinson

AUBURN - Joseph H. Robinson, 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Born and raised in Holden, he was the son of the late Joseph B. and Mary (Thresher) Robinson.

Joe faithfully served his country in the United States Air Force, retiring after 20 years of dedicated service with the rank of Master Sargent. Joe received a Meritorious Medal from the Air Force for his years of service. Joe was a special part of the team that created the blueprints for the Air Force Memorial that still stands today. There was a special tribute paid to Joe at the opening ceremony. While serving in the Air Force, Joe was able to live in Alaska, Turkey, Texas, Mississippi and retired in Alabama.

After leaving the Air Force, Joe started a new career working for the Alabama State Police as a computer technician for 10 years and then started another new career working for the State of Alabama Public Safety as a Distributed Systems Specialist.

Those who knew him best remember him as a "country boy" at heart. Joe loved spending time at the Robinson Hardwick farm. In his spare time, he could often be found reading quietly or tinkering with his motorcycles or other automotive repairs, always going to fix them someday. Joe was a CB operator and well known for his handle, "Shade tree" because Joe was a Shade tree Mechanic working on vehicles under the shade of a tree. Joe was also known as Howie, Howard or Robbie by family and friends. Joe was an avid football fan, always routing for the Auburn "War Eagle" college team and the Dallas Cowboy NFL team. Joe was first and foremost a man of faith. He truly enjoyed being a member of the Christian Life Center in Worcester where he had many friends. Joe's most telling experience is when he learned who God was and the relationship God wants with humanity as individuals. Joe choose to do those things that would lead others to understand how important God is in our lives.

Joe's gentle smile, big bear hugs and mischievous nature will be missed by so many lives he had touched during his journey here on earth.

Joe will be lovingly missed and remembered by his three children, Robert Robinson and his wife, Theresa of Underhill, VT, Deborah Johnson and her husband, John Spokis of Palm Coast, FL and Cheryl Robinson-Griffith and her husband, Thomas Griffith of Holden; his daughter-in-law, Cynthia Robinson of Montgomery; two step-daughters, Stephanie Holt and her husband, Kevin of MS and Stacey Bertram and her husband, Kyle of Rainbow City, AL; two sisters, Carol Dickerson of Dennisport and Lee Sears of South Yarmouth; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Joseph E. Robinson and his sister, Susan Cahoon.

Relatives and friends are invited to the calling hours with the family from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Friday, August 8th at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden, MA. The funeral service will follow from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Hardwick Cemetery in the town of Hardwick, MA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.