Andrew Robeson

Andrew Robeson, professor emeritus of Virginia Tech, beloved family patriarch and life-long
member of the Blacksburg community, reached the end of a deeply rich life on July 10, 2022. He
was 96 years old.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank Leigh Robeson and Mary Matthews Robeson,
sisters Helen Robeson, Mary Wood Pendleton, Martha Robeson and Amenta Sjogren, and by
his beloved wife Jean, who passed away February 10, 2022. He is survived by his four children:
Martha Rodgers (John), Catherine Cunningham (Michael), Andrew Gordon Robeson (Elaine),
and James Robeson, six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, along with a number of
beloved nieces and nephews.
Born in Blacksburg April 20, 1926, Andy enlisted in the Navy just before turning 18, and served
aboard the USS Oglethorpe, a transport operating in the Pacific Theater at the end of WWII.
After the war, he returned to VPI to complete a BS in Physics, followed by an MS and PhD from
UVA.
In 1944, a blind date for a dance at the University of Richmond led to his meeting Jean White of
Culpeper, Virginia; they were married June 19, 1948.
After a brief professorship at Emory University in Atlanta, Andy came home to Blacksburg. One
year of teaching at VPI preceded a year at Oak Ridge School of Reactor Technology, from which
he returned to Blacksburg to serve for 25 years as a member of the Physics and Engineering
faculty specializing in Nuclear Science. Taking early retirement in 1982, his career focus shifted
to consulting for the nuclear power industry, a role that fed his and Jean’s love for travel. The
extended family frequently joined them at assignments across the US where they never failed to
find a scenic location for holiday adventures.
Andy was a founding member and faithful servant at Northside Presbyterian Church, a constant
source of leadership and maintenance, for the congregation as well as the building.
His love of baseball and golden retrievers was well-known, as was his passion for antique cars.
Many Blacksburg residents will recall his 1910 Stanley steam-powered horseless carriage
blowing its train whistle in town parades. He and Jean toured the country with various antique
car clubs, often bringing family along for the ride.
The houses Andy and Jean built in Blacksburg were a showcase of his building and design talent,
utilizing many repurposed materials from former Tech buildings and salvaged items from other
sources. Andy promised his bride that he would take care of her in their home until the end of
their lives. He succeeded with the help of a wonderful network of caregivers who have become
family, as well as our dedicated Carilion Clinic Hospice care team.
Those who knew him best will recall his generosity, dry wit and readiness to fix anything that
needed repair. His and Jean’s zest for life was infectious, and all of us who were lucky enough to
know them are truly blessed by that gift.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at Northside
Presbyterian Church, Blacksburg with a reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, the
family suggests a donation to: Blacksburg Rescue Squad, 1300 Progress St., Blacksburg, VA
24060; or Northside Presbyterian Church, 1017 Progress St. Blacksburg, VA 24060; or a charity
of your choice.