Robert Joseph Ashkins

August 3, 1928- January 10, 2021.

Robert (“Bob”) J. Ashkins died peacefully on January 10, 2021, at 92 years- old in his hometown of Bridgeport CT. Bob was the son of Morris and Ida Ashkins and was predeceased by his parents, brother Coleman, sister Marcia Singer Baggish, first wife Rosalyn and beloved daughter Vicki Ashkins Lopez. Bob is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 58 years, Marion Belinkie Ashkins, children: Michael Jacobson, Keith Ashkins ( Ellen), and Dr. Cindy Ashkins ( Robert). He also leaves behind five grandchildren: Charles and Brad Jacobson, Sherry and Elizabeth Ashkins and Ari Currera, as well as a great- grandson, Miles Jacobson. Bob is also survived by several nephews and nieces.

Bob was loved by young and old alike for his warm manner, dignity, humor, wise counsel and the ability to be down to earth. He had a unique way of making everyone, including children, feel special and significant by taking the time to find out about their interests and their life. Bob was community- oriented, having worked his way up from his father’s laundry, putting himself through the University of Bridgeport and then Yale School of Law ‘ 58 before joining the firm of Cohen and Wolf. Bob was a senior partner at Cohen and Wolf for several years before retiring. He put in long hours as an attorney and an equal amount of time to serve his community. His true love was enjoying Fairfield Beach, traveling with his wife Marion and spending quality time with his children and grandchildren.

As a community leader Bob fought for the needs of those less fortunate as he brought together interfaith and interracial groups. He was President of Probus, President of Park City Hospital, President of the Jewish Home for the Elderly ( JHE, currently Jewish Senior Services), President of the YMCA ( the first non- Christian individual to hold that position), Director of Rodeph Shalom, Chairman of the Presidents of Greater Bridgeport, Chairman of Community Relations of UJC and Vice President of Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs. He was a member of the American and Connecticut Bar Associations. During his tenure as President of the JHE, along with Marion, ( President of the Women’s Auxiliary) he helped create a vision for the Jewish community, including the Alzheimer’s ( Memory Care) House, where he closed his circle of life.

Raising his family in Fairfield, Robert Ashkins had lifelong friends and colleagues in the Fairfield and Bridgeport areas, with whom he kept close bonds, even during Bob and Marion’s move to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, where he sought a less stressful life, enjoying activities and returning to college, simply for his love of learning. Bob returned to the Bridgeport area in the last few years, with challenged health. Despite that, Bob’s lifelong response, whenever asked how he was, remained unshakable: “Who me? Never better!” Bob Ashkins favorite pass- time was spending time with Marion, as well as their four children and five grandchildren. Bob died shortly following a tender moment holding hands with Marion. He will be deeply missed by friends and family. A memorial service will be held in the Spring of 2021 with information forthcoming.

The Ashkins family requests donations be made in memory of

Robert J. Ashkins to: American Diabetes Association www. diabetes. org

Mail to:

P. O. Box 7023 Merrifield, VA 22116- 7023 or

Jewish Senior Services or https:// jseniors. org/ donations/

Mail to:

4200 Park Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06604