It is with sadness we say goodbye to Francis Dorr Robinson, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great friend who died November 18, 2024 at Windsor Skilled Nursing, South Yarmouth. Fran found joy in gardening, socializing, researching and writing, sailing in Lewis Bay, and traveling. An avid reader, Fran built a collection of books that he enjoyed sharing with friends and family, many books needed to be housed in extra sheds. Most of all he loved his family and friends.

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 (Conn.) and was a favorite social studies teacher at RHAM, a Regional High School. He heard from former students up until his death and was invited to their class reunions. Fran was the Principal at Ledyard Center School (CT) with 840 students and then at Mystic Junior High, both in Connecticut.

He served as the first Executive Director of Project LEARN, a Regional Educational Service Center serving 26 towns based in southeastern Conn. He was an adjunct professor at Hartford College. Upon his retirement in 1989, he served as Executive Director of Project Independence and was an interpreter at Mystic Seaport. He served as chairman of the Endowment and Development Board of St. Thomas More School, a college preparatory boarding school. Always a teacher and conveyor of information, he continued to share his knowledge and love of learning.

Fran was active in his home town of Salem, Conn. where he lived at Great Oaks Farm for fifty-one years. Involved in state and local politics, he was continuously elected to various town offices and committees. In public service for forty 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 proud to be a direct descendant of Pilgrim William Brewster, Governor Moses Robinson of Vermont and Rebecca Nurse of the Salem witchcraft trials. 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 other local organizations.

Researching and writing were a passion and he, along with his wife Dorothy, published three books available through the Cape library system and Amazon. He taught a course on “Pilgrims, Puritans and Early Cape Cod History,” primarily through the Academy for Lifelong Learning (ALL) as well as for various groups. His articles appeared in numerous publications including the Brewster Society, local newspapers, and the Historical Society of Yarmouth. He and his wife enjoyed traveling to historical places and cemeteries developing genealogical resource guides and family notebooks along with planning numerous reunions in New England.

He is survived by his loving wife Dorothy Bowering Robinson, son Jonathan Robinson, daughters Susan Robinson, Amy Robinson (Chuck Rudinsky), and Elizabeth Weintraub (Paul), children of former wife Joan Rice Robinson. He will also be missed by step children 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 the West Yarmouth Congregational Church, 396 Main St, West Yarmouth, MA on January 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Donations in his name may be made to the West Yarmouth Congregational Church Memorial Fund, 396 Main St, West Yarmouth, MA 02673, or a charity of your choice.

My dear Dorothy, I am so sorry. You just lost your best friend. My prayers are with you and your family. He was the best boss I ever had.( besides you of course). I hope you are well. I miss you! Be well my friend, and I would love to hear from you. yours truly , Sandy Winslow