Barry Robbins, 96

NEEDHAM, MASS. – Barry Robbins, of Needham and Providence, passed away on June 16, 2025. He was the husband of the late Audrey Forman Robbins.

Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late David and Mollie (Barashevsky) Robbins.

A graduate of Harvard Business School, St. Andrews University of Scotland and Brown University, Barry was the founder and CEO of Robbins Manufacturing Co., Inc., in Fall River. He also served for many years as chairman of the board of trustees of the Charlton Health System and the Southcoast Health System.

He is survived by his children, Seth Robbins and Nancy Ashbaugh; his grandchildren, Matthew Robbins (spouse, Susan Allen Robbins), Emily Robbins, Trevor Ashbaugh and Lucas Ashbaugh; and his great-grandson, Zachary Robbins; as well as his two stepdaughters from his marriage to Audrey Forman Robbins, Lisa Kantor and Joy Kaplan (spouse, Becky Brooker). He also leaves his grandchildren Rachel Eve Kantor and Shayna Pearl Kantor, Benjamin Brooker Kaplan and Zoe Brooker Kaplan. He was predeceased by his sister, Paula Shuman, and his stepson, Peter Joseph Kaplan. He also leaves behind his three nephews and their families, David Shuman, Peter Shuman, Andrew Shuman, as well as his beloved longtime aide, Higina (Gina) Robinson, of Pawtucket.

Donations may be made to: Temple Beth-El, Rabbi Gutterman Discretionary Fund, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence, RI 02906.