Arthur W. “Bill” Robinson III ,70,

Arthur W. “Bill” Robinson III ,70, of Milford, MA, died on February 7, 2025 after a brief illness. Arthur was the son of the late Arthur W. and Edna (Doucette) Robinson, Jr, and stepson of the late Elizabeth Robinson; he was pre-deceased by his son Arthur W. IV “Billy”, wife Sharon, brother Dennis, and sisters Mary, Margaret, and Patricia.            

He will be missed by his daughter Jessi, her wife Ellie, and his grandson Henry. Arthur will also be remembered by his sister Kate, several nieces and nephews, and the friends who helped care for him over the last few years.            

Although Arthur lived in the same house for over 60 years and worked at Bullard Abrasives from the age of 18 until he retired in 2020, he loved exploring the planet. He spent hours pouring over maps planning camping trips with the family, reading sailing magazines, exploring the world with Google Maps, and traveling when he could. He was particularly fond of the American Southwest and Guatemala, taking multiple trips to each. He also tried to spend as much time as he could at his father’s B&B in North Woodstock, NH, where he loved chatting with Appalachian Trail hikers and tourists.            

Over the last several years, he became something of a philanthropist, donating thousands of dollars a year to many charities and non-profits, often in the name of the people he loved. He was particularly generous to Mouth & Foot Painting Artists, Shriners, Food for the Poor, and The Home for Little Wanderers.            

Arthur's family will hold a private interment at the North Purchase Cemetery on Pinewood Road in Milford, MA.

Guest Book

Hello, everyone. My name is Kate Bian, and I was blessed to call Billy my brother. One Christmas Eve, my mom, Betty, went out for some last-minute shopping with Plucky—our nickname for Bill Robinson II, who she was dating at the time. What we didn’t know was that they had something much bigger planned. That night, at the Justice of the Peace, they got married. My sister Mary stood as the maid of honor, and their reception? Dunkin’ Donuts. The next morning, we woke up to the best Christmas present ever—a new dad and two new brothers, Dennis and Billy. From that moment on, we became the “Plucky Bunch.” Christmas was always extra special in our house. Growing up with Bill and Dennis was full of fun and adventure. Though we didn’t see them as often as we would have liked, since they lived in Milford with Papa Art and Nana, whenever we were together, they made every moment count. When we weren’t helping out at The Sandwich Hut, our brothers would spend time with us, making sure we always felt included. Bill was so patient with us girls, always taking the time to listen to our stories about school and friends. He played endless games with us and loved telling stories about adventures—stories that made us dream of having our own one day. Bill had a heart of gold. He loved his family deeply—Sharon, Jessi, and young Billy—and would have done anything for them. As we grew older, my sisters and I went on our own adventures—Marti and I moved to California, and Patricia to North Carolina—but no matter the distance, Bill remained close in heart. In these last few years, I had the chance to talk with Bill often. We had long conversations about family and faith, and he always spoke with so much pride about Jessi, Elli, and his grandson, Henry. Losing Billy is heartbreaking, but I find comfort in knowing that he is now reunited with Dennis, our sisters, his parents, and our grandparents. Though he is no longer with us on this earth, his love, kindness, and stories will always live on in our hearts. Rest in peace, Billy. You will always be loved.
Kate Bian

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I have known Bill since we were kids. He had that rare combination of being smart and witty, yet quiet and humble. He was loyal to a fault, and only saw the best in everyone he met. With and without his brother Dennis (who we also loved), we had so many adventures over the years. I remember his grandparents and I feel like they had a big impact on his life - especially religiously. His parents too. I remember going to Watertown when his father owned a pizza shop, and going with him to visit his mother and Dick. When he went to college at UMass Amherst, he would write me the most wonderful letters. One of my bigger regrets is not saving them. Bill and his wife Sharon were so supportive when my wife Terry and I adopted our children, and they were always there in any time of need. It was just a few years ago that Bill, Dennis, Terry and I attended so many concerts and blues festivals. Our shared love of music was something that I always cherished. When Terry and I traveled across the country in 1978 and subsequently ran out of money while were in Arizona, it was Bill to the rescue - wiring us money via Western Union. I cannot imagine anyone being a better friend than Bill. I will greatly miss our conversations about politics and world affairs. We didn't always see eye to eye politically. But it didn't matter. Bill always was courteous and respectful. Terry and I will miss him so much. He wasn't afraid to say "I love you" - something men in our generation sometimes struggle with. There's a big void in our lives now. My sincerest condolences to Jessi, Ellie, Henry, Kate and all of his great family and friends.
Jim Nogueira

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