William Deal Robie, 79, a lifelong resident of Waterbury, passed away in the comfort of his family at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington on Wednesday, March 16, 2016. Born in St. Johnsbury on January 11, 1937, he was the son of the late William and Margaret (Deal) Robie. On May 21, 1960, he married the former Penelope A. Sandison in Barre.
Bill graduated from Waterbury High School in 1955 and then later enlisted in the U.S. Army. Following his discharge from the service, Bill went to work for the state of Vermont highway department. After several years working for the state, Bill began a long and successful career in the heating, plumbing and propane business as an office manager and bookkeeper. He began his vocation working for Steele’s Plumbing and Heating Co. for over two decades, later for Green Mountain Propane and then, more recently, Blue Flame Gas, all of Waterbury. Social by nature and not one to be idle in retirement, Bill then worked part time for NAPA Auto Parts in Waterbury delivering to local auto repair shops.
Bill’s memberships included the Waterbury Jaycee’s, was a Free and Accepted Mason, Waterbury Congregational Church and Blush Hill Country Club. A longtime sports enthusiast, Bill enjoyed umpiring Little League baseball, coaching Babe Ruth, refereeing boys’ high school basketball, playing golf, bowling and he was an avid New York Yankees fan. Following his retirement, he and Penny enjoyed traveling around the world.
Bill is loved and mourned by his wife of 55 years, Penny Robie of Waterbury; their sons, William S. Robie and his wife Kryste of Bend, Oregon, and Michael E. Robie and his wife Piyaporn of Stevenson Ranch, California; five grandchildren, William and James Adams, and Daniel, Christopher and Emily Robie; his brother, Ronald Robie and his wife Sherry of Grand Prairie, Texas; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family.
Services are pending and will be announced at a future date. For those who wish memorial gifts would be appreciated to Central Vermont Humane Society, https://centralvermonthumane.org/, P.O. Box 687, Montpelier, VT 05601. Assisting the family is Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waterbury. To send online condolences please visit www.perkinsparker.com.
