Matthew Vinsant Robb

As a child, Matt was always interested in the military. He used to dress up in an Army costume and patrol our front porch and greet guests at our parties at the house. He had a defender’s heart. He was the first one to come to a friend’s defense in a confrontation, so it was natural for him to enter the military after high school. His favorite gift from his Uncle Bill was a collection of model battleships, airplanes and tanks. He later got interested in studying World War II battles and the Viet Nam conflict.

During his basic training, he came to Memphis for a family gathering, having forgotten to pack a complete pair of dress shoes and came to the dinner in 2 left shoes. This was the highlight of that dinner. Matt loved coming home on leave to dine at Pontillo’s Pizza in Bushnell’s Basin, near his home in Pittsford. His high school friends were often at our home, enjoying the hot tub and cleaning out the refrigerator.

Matt loved dogs and was a great caregiver to our family pets. He loved Elvis and the music of the 60s. His sport in high school was ice hockey, where he played goalie. He played league hockey in Pittsford from 4th grade until he left for the Marine Corps. During his stint in Iraq, he would share funny anecdotes of pranks he and his buddies played on one another. Matt is remembered affectionately for his sense of humor and devotion to his country.