Robert L. Banks

WORCESTER
Robert L. (Bob) Banks, Sr., 84, of Worcester died Sat., May 2 in St. Vincent Hospital. He leaves five children, Robert L. Banks, Jr. of Connecticut, Richard C. Banks of Maine, Thomas W. Banks of Alaska, Martha J. Ricci of New York, and Susan D. Banks of Greenfield; foster son Edward G. Robinson of Worcester, eleven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. A daughter, Jane M. Banks, a brother, Harvey J. Banks and three sisters, Dorothy Fox, Helen Greene and Hazel Scott predeceased him. He was born in Mt. Carmel, IL son of Harvey J. and Edith J. (Cluxton) Banks and was an Army Veteran of WWII. He graduated from Worcester City Hospital School of Nursing, Worcester Junior College, Boston College and received his Masters degree from Worcester State College.

Bob was always proud of his professional accomplishments. His love of medicine began as an Army Medic during the war, where he served in Italy and Africa. He returned to the states and enrolled at City Hospital School of Nursing, as one of City's first male nurses. He worked as a nurse on the Worcester ambulances in the 1950s, referring to himself as a one of the first "EMTs". Bob retired as a Professor and Chairman of the Healthcare Division of Mt. Wachusett Community College in 1985; prior to that he was a Professor at Quinsigamond Community College and Worcester State College. He was also an instructor at various healthcare facilities throughout the country for many years, and during retirement was a volunteer at AIDS Project Worcester as a hospice nurse.

Bob's love of theater and the arts fueled his desire to travel throughout the United States to attend the openings of art exhibits and shows. He supported the arts throughout Worcester County, frequenting shows at the Foothills and Hanover Theaters, area college productions and was a member of the Worcester Art Museum.

Funeral arrangements are private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609, the Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or to a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangments are under the care of CALLAHAN & FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle St. Worcester. To place an online condolence please visit www.callahanfay.com