L. David Robbins

Born Leslie David Robbins Jr. Feb. 5, 1939 the son of Leslie David Sr and Alice (Fancher) Robbins in Gowanda . Dave graduated from Gowanda Central School, Class of 1957, he was drafted into the United States Army in 1963, honorably serving until his discharge in 1965 . Leslie David Robbins Jr. married the former Linda E. Utley at the Gowanda United Methodist Church July 9, 1966.

Dave retired from the Western NY DDSO after more than 30 years of state service. At the time of his retirement Dave was a Recreational Therapist.

Dave Robbins name is synonymous with baseball, anyone that knew him knew his attachment and love for the game. His baseball playing goes back to playing for the Gowanda Panthers in high school and even playing while serving with the United States Army , he played baseball for the original Gowanda Merchants Baseball team in the early 1960s and for the former Gowanda State Hospital in the late 60s. After the Gowanda Merchants disbanded following the 1967 season Dave restarted the team in 1971 and became the team manager for the next 45 seasons . Dave was not only the manager but also a good player in the 70’s .

Dave coached and played for the Gowanda Armes, a very successful adult basketball team that competed in the Tri-County League from 1965-1975.

Dave played fast pitch softball in the Gowanda Softball League for Crowell Auto Supply in the mid 1960s when the games were played at the field next to Thatcher Brook.

Dave was a longtime high school basketball official for both boys and girls teams where he also was a baseball and softball umpire.

Dave was inducted into the Western New York Baseball Hall of Fame and the Cattaraugus County Sports Hall of Fame .

Survivors include his wife Linda of 57 years; their children, Alicia Robbins, Erin (George) Poff and Leigh Robbins; grandchildren; Carrie, Elyssa and David Poff; great-grandchildren, Nathaniel and Sophia. Dave is also survived by a brother Robert (Jean) Robbins of North Collins along with several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents Dave was preceded in death by three sisters; Phyllis (Fred) Hebner, Joyce (Pete) Loretto and Patricia Robbins, a brother Danny (Georgia) Robbins .

Friends may call Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the SCHINDLER FUNERAL HOME 44 Center St., Gowanda where funeral services will be held Saturday Oct. 28, 2023 at 10 am, Pastor Chris Klimecko officiating .

If desired, memorials may be made to the Gowanda Ambulance Service, PO Box 143 Gowanda, NY 14070.