Jordan H. Robbins

WORCESTER – Jordan Robbins, 80, who served Worcester’s Jewish community for many years as a leader of The Jewish Federation, Congregation Beth Israel, Bet Shalom, Worcester Hebrew Cemetery, and others, died Saturday, November 3.

He leaves his wife of 56 years, Harriet (Joseph) Robbins; a son, Bradd Robbins and his wife Syrene of Trumbull, CT; a daughter, Ilyse Robbins Mohr, wife of Glen Mohr of Belmont, MA and four grandchildren, Zachary and Jacob Robbins and Abigail and Bennett Mohr.

Jordan was a lifelong resident of Worcester, the son of Samuel and Sally (Katz) Robbins. After graduating from Classical High he earned his Associate Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Wentworth Institute and a Bachelor’s Degree from Northeastern University.

For 30 years he worked for Jamesbury Corp as export sales manager, traveling widely in South America representing the industrial valve business. He also owned and operated Zebarco/Joseph Electronics and installed alarm systems in hundreds of homes and institutions, and continued to serve customers to the present.

Jordan will be remembered in the community for the people who benefitted from the countless hours he put in arranging for food to get to those in need through Rachel’s Table, which he served as dispatcher and treasurer.

He will also be remembered for the buildings whose construction, maintenance and renovation he actively led, including Bet Shalom II, a 71-unit affordable housing community, the Beth Israel synagogue renovations, and the Worcester Hebrew Cemetery.

Jordan was a 56-year member of Congregation Beth Israel, presently serving as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors. He was on the Board of Directors and a Past-President of the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts. He was instrumental in the founding of Bet Shalom and served as President. And he was presently serving as Co-Chairman of Worcester Hebrew Cemetery.

Jordan began his many years of community service when his children were young, as Cub Master of Cub Pack #36, advisor for AZA and President of Commonwealth Lodge of B’nai Brith.

Most of all Jordan will be remembered for the good humor, caring, and dedication that were an inspiration and motivation to every board and committee and everyone who knew him.

FUNERAL SERVICES WILL BE HELD AT 11:00 AM, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, AT CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL, 15 JAMESBURY DRIVE. Burial will be in Chevra Kadisha/Holy Society Cemetery in Leicester.

Memorial Observance will be held at his residence following the burial on Tuesday, and 2-4PM and 6-8PM on Wednesday and Thursday, minyan at 7:30PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rachel’s Table, 633 Salisbury Street, Worcester, 01609, or to Congregation Beth Israel, 15 Jamesbury Drive, Worcester, 01609.