GUILDERLAND – Donald A. Robinson died Tuesday, November 20, 2012, at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center. Donald was born at Sidney, NY on Dec. 3, 1927, son of the late Arthur L. Robinson and Luella (Geertgens) Robinson. He lived most of his young life in Franklin, NY and graduated from the Delaware Literary Institute and Franklin Central School in 1945 and then attended Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY.
After college, Donald came to Albany, NY and worked several years for the Westinghouse Electric Corporation. He started in the hardware business in 1958 on Western Ave. in Guilderland, retiring in 1991. The hardware today is known as the Robinson Hardware Corporation, and is operated by his son Garry.
Donald was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Father Joseph H. Boldt Council No. 3357, and a faithful parishioner and charter member of Christ the King Church. He was active in many organizations over the years, with two of his favorites being “Boys Town” and “St. Jude’s Ranch for Children.”
Don is survived by his loving wife of over 61 years, Elizabeth (Fitzsimmons) Robinson, being married at St. Joseph’s Church in Albany on Sept. 1, 1951. He is also survived by his five cherished children and their spouses: Michael and Jackie Robinson of Naples, FL, Donna Fink of Rotterdam, Garry and Nancy Robinson of Guilderland, Mariann and Stephen Vagianelis of Guilderland, and Amy and John Bourdeau of Winchester, MA. Donald also leaves his eleven devoted grandchildren: Phillip, Megan, Ethan, Judd (Sara), Troy, Alexis, Emma, Jenna, Jillian, Abigail and Charlie; and his great grandchildren Katelyn and Austin. He is also survived by his only brother and sister in law James and Doris Robinson of Philadelphia, TN, a sister in law Joan Vavala of Schenectady, and by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter in law Sandra Robinson, and his son in law Roy Fink.
The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the staff and nurses of Our Lady of Mercy Life Center for the loving care they provided to Don.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Saturday morning at 9:00, and from there to Christ the King Church, Sumpter Ave., Guilderland at 10:00. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Friday from 4-8 p.m. The parish family of Christ the King Church will gather in the funeral home at 4:30 pm Friday for a service of prayer and remembrance. All are welcome. Interment will be in Memory Gardens, Colonie. The family suggests contributions in lieu of flowers to the Christ the King Church Building Fund, 20 Sumpter Ave., Albany, NY 12203. To leave a message of condolence for the family, send a sympathy card, or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Click here to view Don’s resting place in Memory Gardens, Colonie, New York.
Tom and Ginna Lagan
November 21, 2012 at 5:06 pmGarry and Nancy, Mariann and Steve, and all Robinson and Vagianelis grandkids,
We were very sorry to hear of Mr. Robinson’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
The Lagan Family
Diane and Howard Kessler
November 21, 2012 at 5:53 pmOur heartfelt condolences to you and your family at this very sad time, Mariann. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Steinmann Family
November 21, 2012 at 7:17 pmSo sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He was a wonderful man. We have many fond memories of him and times with the Robinson / Vagianelis family. Our thoughts are with you all and we wish we could be there with you.
Stephanie Mastroianni
November 22, 2012 at 5:37 amTo the Robinson Family,
As very close friends of Amy and John for over 30 years, we are saddened by the loss of Don. We both have very fond memories of Don in the hardware store, at family events, and of Amy’s ongoing love and adoration of him. We are sorry for your loss. Much love, Steph & Rob
The van Gemeren Family
November 23, 2012 at 5:29 amDear Amy,
We are all so sad to hear about the loss of your wonderful father. I know he meant the world to you and your siblings. Just know that we are thinking of you and your family and wishing you peace during this difficult time. Much love, Wendy, Eric, Lily and Hunter
Marilyn S. Mooney and Sean F. Mooney
November 23, 2012 at 6:55 pmI am happy to say that we have known the Robinson family for years. Although Mr. R’s passing is a sad event, the memories and the legacy he leaves behind are remarkable. I will always remember him as such a sweet man and his presence will be missed, but never forgotten.
Love and many fond memories, Marilyn and Sean Mooney
The Sprio Family
November 24, 2012 at 7:45 amOur thought’s and prayer’s are with you all
The Swanson Family
November 24, 2012 at 9:03 amTo Garry, Nancy and the entire Robinson family,
We would like to express our sadness and sympathy at the passing of your father. Although it has been many years I have very warm memories of your dad, your family and of times spent together.
We are very sorry for your loss.
With love, Eric, Laura, Alec and Dusty Swanson.
Anne-Marie and Patrick Doyle
November 26, 2012 at 5:02 amMariann and Steve, Garry and Nancy and families – we are so sorry about Mr. Robinson’s passing. We are thinking of you all, and sending our prayers. With Love, Patrick, Anne-Marie, Edmund, Isabelle, Ava and Aidan