Obituary for John Lester "Jack" Robb
John (Jack) Lester Robb, age 94, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 8, 2022, at his home in Sandy Hook, CT. He was born in Troy, NY on May 16, 1928, to Mr. & Mrs. W. Richmond Robb. Although too young for World War II, as a member of the Boy Scouts he participated in various salvage drives to aid the war effort. He enjoyed the activities of the scout program and advanced through its various levels, achieving the Eagle Scout rank in 1945.
Following graduation from Troy High School in 1946, Jack enlisted in the Army and was sent to Korea where he served in the army of occupation. Upon discharge, he entered Westminster College and graduated in 1953 with a Business Administration degree. His college life was interrupted by the Korean War in 1950, when as a reservist he was recalled to active duty and served in the Second Infantry Division, again in Korea, where he received the purple heart.
Jack was employed at New York Telephone Company and during his 33+ years held various management positions until his retirement from Verizon in 1988.
Throughout his life he enjoyed the game of golf immensely, particularly his trips to Myrtle Beach with his golfing friends. He continued to play a respectable game into his early 90s.
Jack was married to the late Thelma Olsen for over 51 years. He is survived by their two beloved daughters, Beverly Kovachik and her husband Andy of Monroe, and Susan Shank and her husband Garry of Rockville, MD. He adored his five beautiful grandchildren: Andrew, Kelsey, and Cameron Kovachik; and Madison and Samantha Shank. He is also survived by his sister, Judy Maier, her husband Bob, and their daughter Ellyn.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The American Heart Association or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Calling hours are on Monday, September 12, 2022, from 4‐6pm at The Newtown United Methodist Church, 92 Church Hill Rd. A short memorial service will take place at 5:15pm.
A private burial service will take place the following day.
Following graduation from Troy High School in 1946, Jack enlisted in the Army and was sent to Korea where he served in the army of occupation. Upon discharge, he entered Westminster College and graduated in 1953 with a Business Administration degree. His college life was interrupted by the Korean War in 1950, when as a reservist he was recalled to active duty and served in the Second Infantry Division, again in Korea, where he received the purple heart.
Jack was employed at New York Telephone Company and during his 33+ years held various management positions until his retirement from Verizon in 1988.
Throughout his life he enjoyed the game of golf immensely, particularly his trips to Myrtle Beach with his golfing friends. He continued to play a respectable game into his early 90s.
Jack was married to the late Thelma Olsen for over 51 years. He is survived by their two beloved daughters, Beverly Kovachik and her husband Andy of Monroe, and Susan Shank and her husband Garry of Rockville, MD. He adored his five beautiful grandchildren: Andrew, Kelsey, and Cameron Kovachik; and Madison and Samantha Shank. He is also survived by his sister, Judy Maier, her husband Bob, and their daughter Ellyn.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The American Heart Association or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Calling hours are on Monday, September 12, 2022, from 4‐6pm at The Newtown United Methodist Church, 92 Church Hill Rd. A short memorial service will take place at 5:15pm.
A private burial service will take place the following day.