Dr. John Lampe Robertson, 87, of Warren, PA died Saturday, January 30, 2016 at his home after an extended illness.
John was born in Warren, PA on New Year’s Day, 1929, the son of the late Catherine Lampe Robertson and Hugh Radle Robertson. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, he studied medicine and then returned home to Warren to open his own office. He was a practicing physician for 60 years, specializing as an internist and in his later years, as a geriatrician.
John was a 1946 graduate of Warren Area High School. He attended the University of Pennsylvania as an undergraduate and as a medical student, and did residencies in Harrisburg, Fort Meade and Detroit before moving back to Warren.
He was an award-winning philatelist, who enjoyed exhibiting his stamp collections which gave him the opportunity to travel and get to know new people.
He was an Eagle Scout, carrying on the tradition of his grandfather who donated the Lampe Lodge at Camp Olmsted. John came from a musical family, and his love and appreciation of music and theater continued throughout his life. He and his wife were active members of the local Shakespeare Club for many years. In his youth, John was known as “Brick” on account of his red hair, and once a letter with no address except: “Brick, the trumpeter, Warren, PA” found its way to his home on Third Avenue. He was an astute financial investor who served on the Endowment Committee of the Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church, and an avid golfer who enjoyed nothing more than spending an afternoon playing eighteen holes with good friends.
John was a humble, kind and generous man, and a devoted husband, brother and father. During the past few years as his health worsened, his appreciation for his life grew: “We all live,“ he wrote. “We all die, and when we become very ill we understand what are the most important things in our lives.”
John was preceded in death by his parents and a younger brother Hugh, who died in childhood. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Rachel Elizabeth Smith Robertson; his sisters, Susan Robertson Schray of Hillsdale MI and Emily Robertson White of Minneapolis, MN; his five children, Lynn Robertson-Hotz (Paul) of Mountainside, NJ, Kris Robertson-Smith (John) of Falcon Heights, MN, Jane Dobrzanski (Derek) of Hancock, MD, Ann Heilweil (Victor) of Salt Lake City, UT, and William Robertson (Katrin) of Ann Arbor, MI; and his eleven grandchildren, Alexander Hotz, Arda Hotz (Jay), Blake Hotz, Tremearne Hotz, Tyler Robertson-Smith, Alice Robertson-Smith, Tanner Dobrzanski, Nate Robertson, Tessa Robertson, Tasha Heilweil and Anika Heilweil.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA., on Friday, February 5, 2016 from 4 to 6 P.M.
A funeral service will be conducted Saturday, February 6, 2016 at Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church, 444 Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren, PA., at 10:00 A.M. by Fr. Matthew Scott, Vicar, officiating. Private family interment will take place in Westview Cemetery, Starbrick, PA.
Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church, the Warren Public Library or a charity of your choice.
E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
Jo-Ann and I send condolences to the Family of Dr. Robertson. He was an exceptional doctor, a good neighbor, and a selfless citizen for Warren County.
Zeno & Jo-Ann Henninger
Echternacherbrueck, Germany
We send our sympathies to the family of Dr. Robertson. He took care of my grandparents-Wesley & Alice Yost for many years & I remember them talking fondly about Dr. Robertson!
Alan & Patricia McCullough, Mechanicsburg, PA
Love and prayers to the Robertson family from the Lassaline family. Heidi and I never met Dr. Robertson but I feel that I know him through his son Bill and his family in Ann Arbor. Bill’s an exceptional person who I would also describe as a humble, kind and generous man…like his father. They say the apple does not fall far from the tree. Those of us in Ann Arbor, MI who know Bill, Katie and their children thank you for sharing some of Dr. Robertson with us. Peace…
My sympathies to all of the Robertsons. You were the best neighbors we could have hoped for and we know it all started at the top. His soft, gentle tone will always be remembered. His stories may have lacked volume, but he made up for it with thoroughness! He will be greatly missed.
Dan and I would like to send our sympathy to the family during this time. Dr Robertson was a kind and gentle man and a great doctor to my parents Jean and Robert Gibb. We remember all of the great parties that he attended and especially the time at Chautauqua Lake at the cottage of my mom and dad. He was the hit of the parties and knew how to have a good time. Bless you all at this time.
Sincerely
Laura Phillips
My condolences to the Robertson Family. Dr Robertson was a kind doctor and a great neighbor who helped our family through the illnesses and passing of both of my parents, Midge & Bert Hammerbeck. He was always just a walk up the street or a phone call away. When my father was in his last years, Dr Robertson took the time to listen to my concerns and ideas with compassion and care.
May you all find peace through the great memories.
Sincerely,
Debbie Hammerbeck Ariola
John and I were very good friends for over 50 years at the Shakespeare Club, the Golf course and as my doctor before he retired. He was one of the most pleasant person’s I have ever known and he professionally gave every patient whatever time the thought was needed. He never rushed, he ways listened. My condolences to the family and from Sally, too.
I send sincere condolences from the Papalia and Luvison families. Dr. Robertson was the most extraordinary of men. We will always remember him.
I send my most heartfelt condolences to all memers of the huge and evergrowing families of John and Rachel. I loved being with John and his gentle loving ways as well as his wonderful sense of humor. I think I last was with him at Alice’s high school graduation. Could that be so? He is the epitome of “a life well lived” as measured by the multitude of people who love him. God bless him and all. Huge hugs. Marty (John Robertson-Smith’s sister)