Dr. Robert Thomas Robbins, age 40 years, of Three Bridges, NJ, died on Thursday, November 28, 2019 at Hackensack University Medical Center after a valiant fight against lymphoma.

Born on November 14, 1979 on Staten Island, NY, son of Robert Richard and Deborah Hazen Robbins,  Robert was raised in the Port Richmond section of Staten Island and had lived there for most of his life prior to moving to Hunterdon County four years ago.

An extremely intelligent child, Robert was a 1997 graduate of Wagner High School. He then attended Seton Hall University and would graduate with a BS in Biology from the City University of New York-College of Staten Island in 2002. His love of helping people, coupled with his fascination with the natural sciences, led him to then attend New York Chiropractic College where he graduated in 2005 as a Doctor of Chiropractic.

For many years Robert owned and operated Summit Diagnostic & Treatment Center in Union City, NJ. He was well regarded by his peers and adored by his patients. For “Dr. Bobby”, it was never about the financial renumeration—he simply wanted to help people. He found a way that he could bring tangible relief to people who were in pain and struggling, and give them a chance to live their lives healthier and happy. He was witness to this when as a child, he saw his own father get relief and have a better life after seeing the Chiropractor.

Growing up Robert did many of the things young boys on Staten Island did—he had fun! Always on the hunt for knowledge, he enjoyed reading and working hard in school. He also enjoyed playing soccer and baseball for St. Patrick and St. Theresa Church and watching WWF wrestling. “Poolmania” was a fun summer activity the neighborhood kids all enjoyed every summer, a summer which never seemed to end as Robert made lifelong friends growing up. His family fondly recalls that Robert brought all of his friends home and made them instantly become part of the Robbins family.

A real and genuine human being, Robert was always smiling and had a good word for all. He had a very humble nature and made friends wherever he went due to his open and caring persona. He had romantic relationships throughout the years, but cupid’s arrow never really pierced his heart until he decided to go on a dating site, ‘Coffee meets Bagel’, where Cupid decided it was Robert’s time.

His very first match was a Ms. Rebecca Jean Semon. Since the match on January 3, 2015, there has not been a day that has gone by where the two did not talk. It was an instant connection for them both, even though their first date at the Menlo Park Cheesecake Factory on January 17, 2015 had some challenges. These challenges however, allowed the other to see how each handled life when life was throwing various obstacles in their path. As Beckie fondly recalled, “It was an easy, easy conversation. There was always something to talk about and his kindness always shined though.”

The two had a Disney-esque romance that was grounded in reality. Robert loved Beckie with his entire heart and was always there for her in every way possible. He instantly became part of her family as well, and Robert soon fell in love with the Hunterdon County, NJ area. His faith also grew during this time and he would convert to catholicism several years ago, becoming a communicant of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Three Bridges, NJ, the same church where he and Beckie were married on November 6, 2016.

It was ten days before their first anniversary when Robert and Beckie got news that they never expected to get: Robert was diagnosed with lymphoma. He refused to ever give up and fought with his entire heart. Always thirsting for knowledge, he did his research and tried many new treatments in the hope that his suffering could help others and cure this terrible illness. Anyone who knew Robert will not be surprised by this, as he was always helping others. He received a bone marrow transplant on his birthday several weeks ago, and though he is now with the angels in heaven, it will never be said he lost his fight against lymphoma—he has instead won the war.

It is no secret that Robert’s love of chiropractic medicine and his family took up much of his time. However, he did have many other hobbies and interests including rooting for the NJ Devils, the NY Yankees, and the Pittsburgh Steelers; listening to music, especially KISS; drinking fine whisky to help honor the Irish heritage that he held close to his heart; watching the WWE and horror films, and playing the drums.

Robert would want all those reading this to not be sad by his passing, but rather to use this moment to seize upon life. One of his favorite actors, Bill Murray once said, “I live a little bit on the seat of my pants, I try to be alert and available.  I try to be available for life to happen to me. We’re in this life, and if you’re not available, the sort of ordinary time goes past and you didn’t live it. But if you’re available, life gets huge. You’re really living it.” For all those reading these words who want to honor Robert and help foster his legacy, you can do that by simply being available and living. To live this way is to honor him.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Frank Hazen and his paternal grandparents, George Rudolph Robbins and Sarah McGovern Robbins.

Surviving, in addition to his parents, are his loving and devoted wife, Rebecca Jean Robbins; his sister and brother-in-law, Chrystal and Anthony Migliarese; his niece, Mia Sarah Migliarese and her “baby” sister due in several months; his maternal grandmother, Vera Hazen; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Debra and Raymond J. Semon; his brother-in-law, William Semon; his aunts and uncles, Jennie and Michael McCann, Dennis and Patti Hazen, Scott and Denise Hazen, and Faith Cericola; his faithful companion, “Lexie”; several cousins and extended family; and many, many dear friends.

Robert will lie in repose on Tuesday, December 3, 2019, from 3:00-7:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ. A vigil service will take place beginning at 7:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Msgr. Edward M. O’Neill will take place on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 beginning at 9:45 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 105 Summer Road, Three Bridges, NJ 08887. Everyone is kindly requested to meet directly at the Church on Wednesday morning beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Following mass, all are welcome to join with the family for committal prayers at Prospect Hill Cemetery, 69 Capner Street, Flemington, NJ, where Robert will be interred high on a hill overlooking the county towards Staten Island.

Please visit Robert’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a memorial candle, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish are asked to make a contribution to a fund created to help offset the many and varied final expenses incurred as the result of his prolonged illness. Any and all contributions are very much appreciated by the family. Please click HERE to be redirected to the donation page.

_____________________________

Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”