Francis Dorr "Fran" Robinson

1929 - 2024

West Yarmouth, Mass. - Francis "Fran" Dorr Robinson died Nov. 18, 2024. He found joy in gardening, socializing, researching and writing, sailing in Lewis Bay, and traveling.

Fran was born in 1929 to Margaret D. and Charles E. Robinson in Melrose, Mass., who predeceased him. He graduated from Enfield High School and continued attending class reunions until he was in his 90s. Fran received an A.B. from Boston University, a master's degree and Sixth-Year professional degree in school administration from the University of Connecticut, Storrs.

He began his teaching career at Hebron Elementary School and taught social studies at RHAM, a Regional High School. Fran was the principal at Ledyard Center School and Mystic Junior High. He was the first executive director of Project LEARN, a Regional Educational Service Center serving 25 towns based in Southeastern Connecticut. Upon his retirement in 1989, he served as executive director of Project Independence and an interpreter at Mystic Seaport. He taught as an adjunct professor at Hartford College. He was elected chairman of the Endowment and Development Board of St. Thomas More School in Montville.

Fran was active in his home town of Salem where he lived at Great Oaks Farm for 51 years. Involved in state and local politics, he was continuously elected to various town offices and committees. In public service for 40 years, he was elected selectman, chairman of the board of finance, board of education, town meeting moderator, and served on the fire station building committee, school building committees, Salem Green Cemetery, library board and many others.

He was a direct descendant of Pilgrim William Brewster and Governor Moses Robinson of Vermont. After he moved to Cape Cod in 2003, he became a member of the Cape Cod Genealogical Society, Historical Society of Yarmouth, the Dennis/Yarmouth Newcomers Club and its men's book club. He was a friend of the West Yarmouth Congregational Church and several other organizations. Researching and writing were a passion and he, along with his wife Dorothy, published three books. He taught a course on "Pilgrims, Puritans and Early Cape Cod History," through the Academy for Lifelong Learning (ALL), as well as for various groups. His articles appeared in numerous publications.

He is survived by his loving wife Dorothy Bowering Robinson; son Jonathan Robinson; daughters, Susan Robinson, Amy Robinson (Chuck Rudinsky) and Elizabeth Weintraub (Paul); and children of former wife Joan Rice Robinson. He will also be missed by stepchildren, Pamela Dugas Vars, Lynda Dugas Kauth and Jeffrey Dugas. He is survived by seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Fran was preceded in death by beloved daughter Jane; grandson Charlie; and brother Charles.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at the West Yarmouth Congregational Church. Donations in his name may be made to the West Yarmouth Congregational Church Memorial Fund, 396 Main Street, West Yarmouth, MA 02673) or a charity of your choice. For online condolences, please visit www.halletts funeralhome.com.