Robert William Aikin

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Robert (Robby) Aikin, 56, of Plaistow, NH.  He passed away quietly after a short, serious illness, surrounded by family and friends in the home that he loved. 

Robby was born in Queen’s, NY and grew up in Middletown, NJ.  He attended Messiah College in Grantham, PA and following graduation, began a career of service to others. He worked in campus ministry, directed residential programs for adjudicated youth, directed treatment foster care, and worked in an outpatient mental health center. Robby received his Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh in 2004 and Certificates in Child and Adolescent Trauma Treatment at the University of Maryland in 2010 and Traumatic Stress Studies from the Trauma Center at JRI in 2011. As an LISCW, he worked with children and adolescents who experienced complex trauma in a number of settings: school-based therapy, in-home family preservation, outpatient therapy, treatment foster care, and acute partial hospital programs. Most recently he was self-employed in private practice, providing psychotherapy to children and adults. In addition to his vocation as a social worker, he cooked gourmet meals, raised Weimaraner show dogs, transformed his yard into a beautiful sanctuary, and loved the outdoors.

Robby is survived by his wife, Jennifer (Manetsch) Aikin of Plaistow, NH, his mother Alberta Aikin of Henrico, VA, and his sisters Kimberly (Aikin) Orloff of Columbia, MD, and Heather (Aikin) Byrne of Manakin Sabot, VA. He will be remembered for his sharp mind, passion for life, and for his deep loyalty to those he loved.

A private memorial service is planned for later this Spring.  In his memory, the family is accepting donations in support of the Mind, Body Program at the YMCA of Warren County PA (www.warrenymca.org; dedicate the donation in memory of Robby Aikin, and select Mental Wellness – Mind, Body Program from the Campaign drop down).