Services
Obituary
Guest Book
Lcdr. (Ret.) Coll Elmer "Robbie" Robertson (89) passed peacefully with his family by his side early on Thursday, May 11, 2017. He was born in Dexter, MI in 1928. He is survived by the love of his life and devoted, loyal wife Joanne Moran Robertson, four dedicated children; Joan "Jody" Chipoletti (Neal), Dawn Fenske (Terry), Coll Scott (Kelly)and Colin Shaun Robertson along with six grandchildren; Derek Chipoletti (Chrystal), Kelsey Ivey (Rodney), Taryn Fenske, Coll Robertson, Ali Robertson & Trey Fenske; and three great-grandchildren; Austin Chipoletti (Cheyenne) from Wyoming, Hunter Chipoletti from New Jersey, and Harper Chipoletti of Fleming Island. His surviving extended family includes his sister Jewell Stibor (Fred) and family from Michigan, and a devoted group of Canadian cousins. He is preceded in death by his eldest daughter Robin C. Robertson-McLendon, his brother John "Jack" Robertson, and mother Bertha B. Robertson as well as his father Coll A. Robertson and many other close family friends.
His early years were spent in Ypsilanti, MI where he attended Michigan State Normal College, currently Eastern Michigan University, and completed his undergraduate work at Florida State University. Robbie spent twenty-two years serving as a Line Officer and aviator in the United States Navy retiring in Jacksonville, FL. He also obtained his Master's Degree from Florida State University and taught in the Duval County Schools as an Industrial Arts teacher at Raines, White House Elem., Eugene Butler, & retired from Stillwell Jr. High.
Robbie touched many lives as a teacher and coach while also giving generously of his time volunteering for the Retired Affairs Office at N.A.S. Jacksonville as well as commuting to and from St. Augustine while volunteering at the World Golf Hall of Fame. He was a devoted dad, husband and dedicated friend. He will always be remembered as a smart, strong, caring father and a loyal husband whose greatest passion was helping others and making those around him feel like they had minimal cares in the world. He was one who never met a stranger and was an all-around man's man. He was dearly loved and will be sorely missed.
Family will welcome guests on Fri., May 19th, 2017 at 6 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens, 5753 Blanding Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32244. Services will be held on Sat., May 20th, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 5752 Blanding Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32244, with Fr. James Kaniparampil CMI, Pastor officiating. Graveside services will follow at Jacksonville Memory Gardens in Orange Park, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Coll "Robbie" Robertson to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements are under the care of Hardage-Giddens, 729 Edgewood Ave. S., Jacksonville FL 32205, www.dignitymemorial.com.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church: http://www.sacredheartjax.com/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by CLOSED-Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home - Jacksonville.
August 9, 2017
Military
Fred Massey
Just read name in MOAA magazine. Many great days shared in Norfolk and in the H-34.
August 9, 2017
Joanne:
Just read Robbie's obit after reading his name in MOAA magazine. Many memories surfaced from our days in Larrymore Lawns Norfolk and the hours spent in an H-34. Sorry to see you also lost Robin. Our thoughts and prayers.
Fred & Janet Massey
May 25, 2017
A. Davis
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you find comfort in God's word the Bible recorded at Job chapter 14 verses 14 and 15.
May 19, 2017
Theresa & Andy Barmer
We are so very sorry for your great loss. I know that he was dearly loved and the loss of Mr Robertson will be felt by so many people including our family, particularly my brother Bob. He and his whole family made such a wonderful positive difference in so many people's lives. It is hard to imagine that he is gone. Take care of each other, our prayers and thoughts are with you.
May 19, 2017
May & Tom Azevedo
Robbie, will remain in our thoughts and hearts forever. We met Robbie and Joanne at Dunkn Donuts on 103rd. St. It did not take much time to develope a friendship. From that point on we began meeting the family, from daughters to grandchildren. Everytime the love birds left Dunkin everyone would watch out the window to watch them part ways with a few words and that kiss. All of us inside would smile and return to siping our coffee. sharring our memories makes it a little easier to bare the loss of someone very special. "Robbie"
Our deepest sympathy to Joanne and the family.
Tom & May, Jacksonville Fl
May 18, 2017
Cyndi & Jim Hill
Dawn & Family, Our deepest condolences, on the loss of such a fine man. The photos truly reflect the love your family shared. I pray that these loving memories will comfort you, in the days to come. Much love to all, Cyndi & Jim
May 18, 2017
Linda and Larry Tattersall
Joanne and family, We were sadden to hear of the passing of your wonderful husband and Dad.
We will forever be grateful for his support of the sports program at Forrest High School, the military community, our Free Scott Speicher group efforts and his help with the mounds of paperwork Mom and I had to fill out when my Dad Harold Kirkpatrick passed in 2008. What a Blessing-he will be greatly missed. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda and Larry Tattersall
May 17, 2017
JIm and Ginger Hansen
We remember Robbie with great fondness. Our prayers are with Joanne and all of his family at this time of sorrow.
May 17, 2017
Laura Robertson
I am so very fortunate to have been a part of such a wonderful family for 20 years. Robbie was the epitome of what every man should strive to be. What wonderful memories I have. You are loved and will be greatly missed.
May 17, 2017
James Hazouri
I fondly recall coaching baseball with "Robby" at stillwel in the late 70's. He was fun to work with and the players loved him! Robby even helped me make my first kitchen table through his woodshop in the evenings (you could do that in those days!)...my deepest sympathies to all in the Robertson family...you are in my thoughts and prayers.
May 16, 2017
Kelly Robertson
I am the luckiest girl in the world to have known my father in law, Robbie, since I was 8 years old. He treated me with the love a father shows his own daughter. I admired his integrity and loyalty toward his friends and family.He will always be with us and his legacy will continue.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
May
19
6:00 p.m.
CLOSED-Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home - Jacksonville729 South Edgewood Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205
Funeral services provided by:
CLOSED-Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home - Jacksonville729 South Edgewood Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more