Longtime western New York horseman Joseph E. Robbins Jr., 88, of Loucks Pond Road, passed away early Thursday morning (January 8) at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, following a brief illness.

He had an obsession for horses and harness racing and was a member of the Western New York Harness Horsemen's Association. Robbins received his harness racing license in 1962 and won 195 races as a trainer with purse earnings of $695,344. Known primarily as a trainer, he did win two races as a driver. Some of the stars of his stable include Hardy King and Queenie Paige and most recently Its Only Roni and Pull The Ripcord.

Born in Hamlin on May 24, 1926, he was a son of the late Joseph E. Robbins Sr. and Ethel Knowles Robbins. On February 25, 1950, he married the former Doris O. Parker, at her parents' home in Jasper; she predeceased him on May 31, 2003, after 53 years of marriage. Besides his parents and wife, he was also predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Norma and George Freeman.

A resident of the Avoca area for most his life, Robbins was employed as a grain broker, farmer and horse trainer.

His loving family includes his son, Douglas Robbins of Hornell; four daughters, Joyce (Kenneth) Parsels, Tammy Jo Robbins, Jineen Geffers (Joseph Simone) and Bonnie (Kevin) Kowalcyk all of Avoca; his six grandchildren, Shawn (Stacey) Parsels, Kevin (Timon) Parsels, Angie (Dan) Hawkens, Chad (Amy) Robbins, Brittany Geffers and Nicholas Kowalcyk; his eight great-grandchildren; his two sisters, Thelma Covert and Greta (Jim) Preston; his two brothers, Albert (Vera) Robbins and Harold (Pat) Robbins; also his many nieces, nephews and his special friend, Marlea Sherwood.

Calling hours are from 2 - 5 p.m. Sunday at the Avoca United Methodist Church, Jacobs Ladder Road, where a funeral service will be held following calling hours at 5 p.m. Sunday, with Pastor Barre Butts officiating. Interment will be in Nondaga Cemetery, Bath.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to Arc of Steuben, 1 Arc Way, Bath, N.Y. 14810.

Online condolences or remembrances of Joe are welcomed at bishopandjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Joseph Robbins Jr.

(USTA)