William Randolph Robbins ’34

In New Haven, Bill helped found Christian Community Action, the first area interfaith organization to provide housing, food, and jobs for the underprivileged, and he served as chaplain to the Sheriffs of New Haven County, working with prisoners and their families and with judges deciding cases.

In 1979, our class presented Bill with its Award for Outstanding Achievement for, among other things, “his profound understanding of humanity.” Bill considered winning this award “one of the treasured events of my life.”

Bill completed his tenure at St. Thomas’ in 1984, but he informed the diocese that he intended to continue working for the church. So he filled in at vacant churches and served where needed.

Bill was married in 1942 to Sarah Wright. She died in 1986. Two sons, Henry and Thomas, and a daughter, Sarah, survive.