Laurist Robbins Obituary

Laurist Linfield “Tiger” “Larry” Robbins III, 37, of South Main Street, Attleboro, died surrounded by the love of his caring family on Saturday, November 13, 2004 at his residence following a four month illness. He was the husband of Kelly-Jean (Smith) Robbins to whom he was proudly married on November 15, 1997. Born in Brockton, Massachusetts on November 24, 1966, he was a son of Laurist Linfield Robbins, Jr. and was the stepson of Beth M. (Woodis) Robbins both of East Freetown, Massachusetts. He was the son of Donna (Pierce) Hodson of Taunton.

He was a 1986 graduate of Tri-County Regional High School in Franklin and it was during his high school years that he met his future wife. As a child, he was given the nickname “Tiger” and it followed him for all his years. He had a longtime affiliation with Arc of Northern Bristol County. A hard worker, “Tiger” had been employed at Attleboro Enterprises in North Attleboro since August of 1988 and had been employed by DEAF, Inc. in Middleboro since August 2001. He was also employed at the Attleboro YMCA for the past six years having worked as a member of the custodial staff in the fitness facility.

Faced with many challenges throughout his life, he maintained a sense of independence and was featured with his wife in an article in the Sun Chronicle on February 19, 2003 highlighting their accomplishment of fulfilling the American dream of purchasing their own home. Both he and his wife have mild developmental disabilities and he was also deaf. According to Tammara Beane, executive director of the Arc of Northern Bristol County, said that fewer than 2% of people with developmental disabilities own their own homes compared to the overall nationwide rate of about 67%.

The couple was assisted by Arc – a chapter of a national human service agency that provides support to individuals with developmental disabilities in the greater Attleboro community, the Attleboro Rotary Club, and new banking programs geared to help individuals with disabilities. The effort became the single largest community service project undertaken in the Attleboro Rotary club’s history. They found support and guidance from the Arc which assisted them with budgeting, shopping, medical appointments and provides social and recreational opportunities. The couple resided on Pine Street in a one-bedroom apartment until realizing the American dream and buying a 672 square foot condominium at Bristol Arms Condominiums on South Main Street in Attleboro.

He was a longtime resident of the City of Attleboro and had previously resided in Taunton and Middleboro. He and his wife attended St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Attleboro. In addition to his beloved wife and devoted father and stepmother, he leaves his father-in-law: Chester Smith of Westwood; his mother-in-law: Joyce Smith of Foxboro and several aunts, uncles and cousins. His only sibling, Kelda Lynn Robbins, died in 1997.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend a Celebration of “Tiger’s” Life on Saturday, November 20, 2004 at 12:00 PM in the “Commonwealth Chapel” of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right at end of ramp, ¾ mile on left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro with the Rev. Katrina Clinton, pastor of the First Congregational Church, North Attleboro, officiating. Burial will follow in North Purchase Cemetery, Attleboro. Following graveside services an invitation will be extended to join family and friends for a time of refreshment and fellowship.

Visitation has been respectfully omitted. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in “Tiger’s” name may be made to the Hospice of CVNA, 141 Park Street, Attleboro, MA 02703. Children’s room available during the service. Those in need of a ride to visitation may call the funeral home at (508) 695-0200 for free transportation. To send the family an expression of sympathy, please visit our on-line guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com.