Francis John McRobie

Francis John McRobie (McCrobie on his birth certificate. family was notoriously unable to spell), born 4 October 1931 in Elmsford, NY died in Dover, New Hampshire on 8 March 2024 at the stubborn old age of 92. "The following memories are just short chapters of the long novel of Fran's life".
Born to Thomas Guy McRobie and Thereasa (Shaffer), Fran was raised with his sister Virginia with Catherine (Shaffer) as his mother. Though born north of the Mason-Dixon Line, Fran was a hillbilly at heart and his love of country western music was such that for years his daughters didn't know that a radio played anything else.
Fran's service in the US Marine Corps (1951-1953) in Korea (1952-1953) was an essential element of his life, and he exemplified the saying "Once a Marine, Always a Marine".
Returning from Korea, he met Joanne (Jo) Bruhl on a blind date. They raised their family of Leslie, Karen and Rusty (Francis, Jr.) in Thornwood, NY, in a house Fran expanded himself and allowed to be painted pink because that is what Jo wanted.
He started at Westchester Community College in NY in drafting, but changed to electrical and mechanical courses because he really was a hands-on person. He began and ended his career in the production and maintenance departments of the local newspaper, which then merged with Gannett Newspapers. He retired in 1996. His strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to fix problems had him traveling to plants out of state.
He worked until the day he decided he didn't want to. The day he told Jo he was retiring, Jo asked, "What took you so long?"
Fran loved cars and driving. He and Jo roamed Westchester and the surrounding counties, stopping for a beer and a sandwich at local delis. Jo's medical condition changed what they might have planned as their future, but Dad stayed with her until her death in 2004.
Dad's beloved son, Rusty, also died early, of cancer. Those two losses were very difficult for him. His "Thornwood Family", Mike, Anne, Michael, Grace and Riley were also a true family to him. Their love for him was as indisputable as could be.
While still living independently at home, because of a fall, Fran was unwillingly moved to New Hampshire to rehabilitate in March 2023. When conditions didn't improve enough, he became a resident of Dover Center for Health and Rehabilitation. A curmudgeon until the very end, even though he resisted being involved in activities because "You know I am not sociable", he did make connections with "his" aides (the ones he wanted to) and, lived, as he had lived his whole life, making his own choices.
Fran was predeceased by his wife, Jo, son Rusty, sister Virginia (Ginny) Calkins Sterling, grandson Averill LaCoursiere and his parents.
Remembering him always are his daughters, Leslie McRobie (Ed LaCoursiere) of NH and Karen McRobie, PhD (Phil Mineart) of CA. His granddaughter, Marissa LaCoursiere, PhD (PA) and his grandson Thaddeus LaCoursiere (Beth) (MN) also will miss him enormously. He leaves his grandchildren, Katie Mineart and Brian Mineart (CA) and Olivia McRobie and Greg McRobie as well as his Calkins nieces and nephews, Sandy, Guy, Larry, Jeff, Cheryl and Betsy to continue his memory. The Griffin family will always hold him in their hearts. There are also many friends in the Thornwood area who remember him fondly.
The care and compassion he enjoyed (tolerated?) at Dover Center will always be a deep and comforting memory to his family. His passing was comfortable and dignified due to their professionalism and expertise.
"You be careful going home, now"
Burial with Military Honors will be held on April 27th, 2024 at Kensico Cemetery, 273 Lakeview Avenue, Valhalla, NY.
Please do not send flowers. For those who wish, the family suggests memorial contributions in Fran's name; may be made to either of these 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
• Semper Fi & America's Fund, 825 College Blvd, Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057. https://thefund.org/contact-us/
• Masonic Educational Assistance Program grants program, c/o Trustees of the Hall and Home, 71 W. 23rd street, 10th floor, New York, NY 10010
For an online guestbook, please visit www.neunfuneralhomes.com.