Robert S. Robbins

Passed at the age of 89 on December 10, 2020 as a result of arm wrestling with a grizzly bear, or maybe it was from complications of Parkinsonism. Either way his dry sense of humor persisted to the end. Robert was born in Philadelphia on November 30, 1931 and raised in the Strawberry Mansion section of town. He attended Central High School and Temple University before a stint in the U.S Army stationed in Europe. After a brief educational course in London he returned to Temple University earning a law degree (J.D.) Thus, he began a half century of legal criminal practice initially with his brother Willie and later in solo practice. His fulltime law practice was delayed by the entrepreneurial success of a variety store, Marketown, around 12th and Market Sts. and then moved to 52nd and Market Sts. with his brother Melvin. Under eminent domain SEPTA took over the store's location which transitioned Robby to fulltime law practice. His athletic nature introduced him to one of his life's passion - handball. He was found 8 days a week playing handball at the Broadwood later known as the Philadelphia Athletic Club. Despite his modest beginnings as the youngest of 8 children to Russian immigrant parents he was a self-made man. He valued culture and intellect being an avid classical music and opera fan as well as a daily Crossword puzzler. He was a man of the people who was happiest in front of a buffet. Fortunately, his athletic activities balanced his love of food allowing him to live a long life to share with his family and many dogs. A few months ago, he celebrated his 58th wedding anniversary with the love of his life Saundra Goldstein of Jeweler's Row. He is survived by his wife Saundra (nee Goldstein); his children Brad (Shelley) Robbins, Marlie (Kevin Gillen) Robbins and Shira (Peter Durdaller) Robbins; his loving grandchildren Johana, Lily and Arielle; and grand dogs Finch, Otis, Izzy, Bean and Lailah. He was preceded by parents Rubin and Esther Rabinowitz; siblings Sarah, Sam, Willie, Label, Herman, Sylvia, Melvin and grand dogs Spike, Purl, Boomer, Brittany, Jessie, Tova, Mazel, Chelsea, Tucker, Paco, Max, Schmendrick, Dobby and Rocki. Contributions in his memory may be made to: SPCA, www.montgomerycountyspca.org, Philadelphia Opera Company, www.operaphila.org, Adath Jeshurun Synagogue, www.adathjeshurun.info Mervyn Sluizer Jr. Scholarship Fund (for Eagle Scouts established by son Brad Robbins), www.philafound.org/give-now/? give_cause=Mervyn%20Sluizer,%20Jr.%20Scholarship%20Fund Services and interment were private. www.levinefuneral.com