FRANK D. ROBBINS

ROBBINS, FRANK D. March 9, 1922-November 24, 2010 Lifelong resident of San Diego, he was a lover of golf, gardening, and the Chargers and Padres. Born to Charles Robbins and Josephine Kelleher, both of Boston, on Franklin Ave in San Diego. Graduated from Alice Birney, Horace Mann Jr. High, and San Diego High (Class '40). Worked for Convair from 1940-50 and served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Attended Aviation Ordnance School in Norman, OK before deployment in 1945 on carrier Kitkun Bay, CVE71, which entered Yokohama in Sept. 1945 to return POWs to U.S. Honorably discharged in 1946 as shipfitter, 3d cl. Attended Univ. of Calif. Extension 1949-50. Civil servant in the Air Force Plant Representative's office from 1950-61, rising to deputy plant representative, charged with managing the Atlas missile program during its most intensive development. Returned to General Dynamics-Convair in 1961; served as production control manager for 20 years, a period noted for the success of Tomahawk cruise missile. Earned degree at National Univ. in 1972. Promoted to director of mfg control in 1980, he retired in 1983. Preceded in death in 2007 by wife of 46 years, Betty. Survived by sons Charles D. Robbins of Davis, CA and Michael J. Robbins of Arlington, VA, grandsons Geoff, Andrew, Zach, and Mitchell, great-granddaughter Aislinn, and a grandchild due in April. Memorial mass will be held at 10am on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010 at St. Luke, 1980 Hillsdale Rd., El Cajon. Inurnment at Fort Rosecrans Nat'l Cemetery. Donations to American Heart Assoc.