Aldeverd M. Robbins

APPLETON - Aldeverd M. Robbins, 93, of Appleton passed away surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015.

Aldeverd was born in Appleton on March 28, 1921 to Robie and Frances Robbins. He attended Appleton schools and was employed by Bath Iron Works as a welder when he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942. A World War II veteran, he served as a Technical Sergeant in the 102nd Infantry Division anti-tank unit from 1942 to 1946.

Upon return home from his military service in England, Germany and everywhere in between, Aldeverd met his beloved wife, Louise B. Collins. After five years, the couple married on Nov. 30, 1951 and built their lives together in Burkettville. The two spent 48 years side by side raising their only son, Aldeverd L., and giving back to their cherished community until his bride's sudden passing in 2000.

Aldeverd spent 38 years building roads and bridges throughout Maine as a heavy equipment mechanic for Bridge Construction Corp. Upon his retirement in 1985, there were few roads left in the state where he could get lost. He was proud to share his passion for all things mechanical with his son, grandson and great-grandson. Fondly referred to as "Big Al" and "Papa," Aldeverd was always eager to impart his wisdom to the future generation of Robbins boys, especially to his son, "Little Al."

Despite constant gardening and tinkering in his garage, Aldeverd soon became bored with retirement and sought a new job to keep him busy. Armed with his prized "checkerberry" candies to win over the hearts of children, he spent 12 years driving school bus for the town of Appleton. Transporting Appleton's sports teams to games inevitably meant watching his grandchildren play and his beloved daughter-in-law coach various sports.

Although a long-term school committee member for the Appleton Village School and board member of the Mid-Coast School of Technology, Aldeverd's greatest scholastic achievement occurred when he finally graduated high school in 2001, at the age of 80, alongside his adoring granddaughter.

A constant presence in the community, Aldeverd was a member of the Union Masonic Lodge #31, Kora Shrine Temple, Scottish Rites, Mid-Coast Shrine Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9437, Appleton High School Alumni Association, Appleton Snowmobile Club, and served as both the Appleton road commissioner for eight years and maintained the town's cemeteries for more than 20 years.

Aldeverd was predeceased by his beloved wife, Louise; brother, Loren Robbins, and sisters, Louise Copeland and Delia Starrett. He is survived by his son, Aldeverd L. Robbins and his wife, Doreen of Appleton; granddaughter Toni-Lynn Hansen, her husband, Carl and their daughter, Colbi of Tyngsborough, Mass.; grandson Darren Robbins, his fiancé Jennessa Tyler and their children, Marina and Cole of Union; brothers Robie Robbins of Union and Neil and his wife, Christine of Appleton; brother-in-law Russell Starrett of Appleton; numerous nieces and nephews; and his adored cat, Herman.

A celebration of Aldeverd's life will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31 at the Union Masonic Lodge #31, 149 Sennebec Road, Union. Memorial donations in his honor may be made to the Appleton High School Alumni Association, P.O. Box 131, Union, ME 04862.