OBITUARY: Joseph R. "Sonny" Robarge, 80, of Wilmington

Joseph R. Robarge fondly known as “Sonny” to his family and friends, of Wilmington, died at home surrounded by his loving family on November 25, 2016; he was 80 years old.

Sonny was born in Lowell, MA on February 9, 1936; he was the dear son of the late Albert and Gertrude Robarge. Sonny was raised and educated in Lowell and following High School he served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War.

In February of 1959, Sonny married the love of his life, Patty Cushing; the couple raised a wonderful family and made countless memories together during their 57 years of marriage. They started their married life in Lowell but moved to Wilmington within 2 years to raise their family of five boys.

Sonny was a very hard working man who often had more than one job, but he and Pat always found time to take their family camping and fishing. They spent many weekends at the Cushing family cottage on Beaver Lake in Derry, NH and have great memories of those times spent with extended family.

True Wilmington townies, Pat and Sonny had a special spot on the Town Common under “their” tree where they enjoyed all the festivities of the Fun on the Fourth celebrations from the very first year it started. They could also be found there enjoying the weekly Summer Concert Series.

Pat and Sonny took advantage of the many activities offered by the Wilmington Recreation Department. Some of his favorites were the trips to Branson, Missouri and the many shows and plays they saw. As active members of the Wilmington Senior Center, Pat and Sonny enjoyed socializing with their friends.

Sonny was very proud of his status as a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and was especially proud when all five of his sons joined the order as well.

A member of the Andover Sportsman Club for many years, Sonny passed along his love of hunting, fishing, and camping to his sons and grandchildren. Sonny was well-known for his horseshoe throwing skills and love for the game, which his sons and grandsons also inherited. He also loved to watch professional sports but nothing could compare to watching his sons and grandchildren perform as Wilmington Wildcats. From 1969 to the present day, Pat and Sonny could be found watching football, hockey, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, basketball and field hockey at the youth, high school and college levels; Sonny was always their biggest fan.

Sonny will be remembered by his family as a no-nonsense, hard-working, do-the-right-thing type of man who loved his wife and children very much. He was so proud of his sons who turned out to be hard working family men and nothing made him smile more than being with any of his thirteen grandchildren or five great-grandchildren. He truly loved each of them and was so proud of each of their accomplishments. Sonny will be greatly missed by his family and friends who loved him dearly.

Sonny was the beloved husband of Patricia A. (Cushing) Robarge, devoted father of Joseph Robarge, Jr. & wife Denise of Gilmanton, NH, John Robarge & wife Julie, Dennis Robarge & wife Laurie and Donald Robarge & wife Bette all of Wilmington and Timothy Robarge & Diane Martin of Wakefield. Sonny was the loving grandfather of Jonathan & Amy, Jackie, Ashley, Danielle, Krystal, Michael, Nick, Hayley, Caroline, Seamus, Tommy, Christian, Meghan, and great-grandfather of Trey, Jarred, Ashley, Alyssa, and Kelsey. Dear son of the late Albert and Gertrude (Codere) Robarge, brother of Richard Robarge & wife Julie of Lowell, Raymond Robarge of Florida, the late Dot Bergfors and Theresa Robarge. Sonny is also survived by many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Tuesday, November 29th from 2:00-6:30 p.m. immediately followed by a Service at 6:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations in Joseph’s name may be made to the Wilmington Senior Center, 15 School St., Wilmington, MA 01887.

Obituary and photo courtesy of the Nichols Funeral Home.