Robert J. Gribbin Sr.

Gribbin, Robert J. Sr. ALBANY Robert James "Pete" Gribbin Sr., 78, died at home in Albany, N.Y. on August 9, 2008, cared for by his loving wife of 57 years, Minnie, and their four children. Pete was born on October 29th, 1929 in Portland, Maine and was the first son of Merton and Loraine (McLellan) Gribbin, both deceased. He attended schools in Portland and Augusta, Maine, graduating from Cony High School in 1947. He attended the University of Maine prior to his enlistment in the U.S. Navy in 1948. He served four years during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1952. On October 28, 1951, in Augusta, Pete married his high school sweetheart, Minnie G. Sutherland, who survives. They moved to Providence, R.I., where he completed his degree in accounting and finance at Bryant College and in 1955 began a 35-year career with IBM as a financial analyst, living in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. and numerous other IBM locations. Upon retirement in 1993, the couple moved back to Maine and enjoyed 14 wonderful years in Belfast. For a short time, he was employed at Wooden Boat Magazine in Brookline, Maine, a place where he had taken boat building and sailing classes previously. He also enjoyed learning a new sport at the Belfast Curling Club. Some of his happiest days were spent caring for his home overlooking Belfast Harbor. In 2007, the Gribbins relocated to Albany to be nearer their family. Pete's memory will be forever carried on in the lives of his four beloved children and their families, Donna Gribbin Benedict and Jay of Poughkeepsie, Robert J. Jr. and Lisa of Lantana, Fla., Andrew of Albany, and Russ and Jennifer of Bloomfield, N.J. His eight grandchildren and their accomplishments were a continuing amazement and joy to him. He is also survived by his younger brother, Richard C. Gribbin of Augusta; his cousin, Patricia Tuttle of Beverly, Mass.; and many dear nieces and nephews. A graveside memorial service will take place in Augusta at the convenience of the family. Remembrances in his name may be sent to the Albany Visiting Nurses Foundation, 35 Colvin Avenue, Albany, NY 12206-1197. This loving group of individuals provided exceptional care and support during his 4-month battle with cancer. Arrangements entrusted to the Applebee Funeral Home, Delmar, N.Y.