EDWIN G. ROBB

1932 - 2021

ROBB EDWIN G. Ted Robb, Marketing Executive and Tireless Non-Profit Volunteer, Dies at 88 Edwin G. Robb, known to all as Ted, died peacefully at home on June 25, 2021. The youngest child of Henry B. Robb, Jr. and Gertrude Graham Robb, he was born in Philadelphia in 1932. Known for his tremendous work ethic, Ted devoted time and energy to his large family, and upon retirement, to his extensive social justice and environment interests. Ted graduated from St. George's School in Rhode Island in 1950, and won the RI state wrestling championship that year. After his freshman year at the University of Pennsylvania, he served three years in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. He returned to Penn to complete his studies, and was co-captain of the wrestling team and a member the Delta Psi fraternity (St. Anthony's). He graduated in 1957 with a BA in history, which remained a life-long interest. He worked for Hastings, later Kurz-Hastings, a manufacturer of foil and wood-grain components for cars, consumer products and electronic appliances, from 1958 until he retired in 1997. His work as Vice President of Marketing took him all over the U.S., Europe and Asia. As the father of three young sons, whom he shared with his former spouse Lee van de Velde, he volunteered as a Sunday school teacher at St. David's Episcopal Church in Wayne, PA, and as an assistant ice hockey coach and team scheduler. He enjoyed using his Army training as a demolition expert to oversee the annual July 4th fireworks display at the Mill Dam Swim Club in Wayne. Ted's love of travel continued in retirement with his wife Minney, whom he married in 1978. He read widely, enjoyed the latest movies and live theater performances, and explored off the beaten track when he traveled. He was curious and enjoyed learning about people. He described being a grandparent "as the greatest job" one could have. He loved the dawn fishing expeditions for elusive bass on Upper Saranac Lake, and patiently taught many an impatient young angler. He contributed his considerable executive and people skills to community and environmental organizations after retirement. He worked tirelessly for Team First Book Philadelphia, which raises money for children's literacy programs. An avid hiker and birdwatcher, he served as a Trustee for the Pennsylvania chapter of the Nature Conservancy, focusing on the Working Woodlands initiative. He also served on the Vestry of the Church of the Ascension in Saranac Lake, NY. In his final project as Chair of the Board of Directors at Beaumont, his retirement community, he helped plan a major renovation. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Minney Robb; two sons, Graham Robb (married to Betsy) of Philadelphia and Xander Robb of Petaluma, CA; his son-in-law, Karl Carter of Newtown, PA; and three grandchildren, David, Henry and Magdalena. His second son, Cooper, died in 2019. His family also includes six stepchildren and their spouses, and 14 step-grandchildren. A Memorial Service is planned for Church of the Ascension in the Adirondacks. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ted Robb's name to First Book Philadelphia, PO Box 166, Gladwyne, PA 19035 or on line at https://support.firstbook.org/give/127319/#!/donation/checkout or to The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania & Delaware, 555 E. North Lane, Suite 6030, Conshohocken, PA 19428 or on line at Memorial Tributes to Honor the Memory of Loved a One - The Nature Conservancy. STUARD F.H., NEWTOWN SQ. SIX GENERATIONS SINCE 1822