Walter T. Robinson Sr., traveled widely
Walter Thomas Robinson Sr., “Walt,” passed from this world to the comfort of God’s embrace Wednesday, July 18, 2018. He is predeceased by brothers William, Herbert and Joseph.
Walt was born Aug. 6, 1929, to loving parents Gertrude (Woods) and William Thomas Robinson in Newark, N.J. He played varsity basketball for Central High School as the starting guard, and in his senior year led the team to a New Jersey State Basketball Championship. Walt served in the National Guard during the Korean War. He was a talented athlete, skilled at golf and tennis, winning several club championships.
In 1952, Walt married the love of his life, Darlene Murphy, and together they led a full and happy active life raising four children in Newark, Cranford, Colts Neck, Westfield, Spring Lake and Medford, N.J. Walt loved the outdoors and friendly competition. He loved every sport. He loved the sea, he loved to fish, and he loved to laugh. Most of all, he loved his family. Proud of his children, he regarded their accomplishments as his greatest achievement in life. Walt spent most of his 89 years making friends wherever he went. Not only did he always know how to make people laugh, he just made people feel better, no matter the circumstance.
Following a long career as a senior salesman for Dresser Industries in 1991, Walt and Darlene retired to Vero Beach, Fla., to enjoy retirement playing tennis, golf, walking on beaches and boardwalks, painting, traveling, and spending time with their children and grandchildren.
Walt had an innate curiosity about all things. He was an artist at his core, and he had a deep appreciation for beauty and nature. He was charismatic and funny. He was kind, clever, wise and compassionate. He loved life, he loved children, he loved Christmas and he loved surprises. He also appreciated good newspapers, often reading two each day. Music was very important to him. A true animal lover, they loved him right back. Dogs sought his touch and playfulness, and hummingbirds whispered their secrets. Life travels took Walt and Darlene to the Islands of Hawaii, San Francisco, Puerto Rico, Mexico, The Bahamas, Bermuda, the Dominican Republic, Canada, London, Paris, Rome, Tuscany, and the Amalfi Coast. He treasured the memory of these visits.
Walt often remarked how lucky he was to have found such happiness and love throughout his life. He was a grateful man. And we will miss him so.
Walt passed peacefully at home in his sleep. He is survived by his beloved wife Darlene; his brother Robert Robinson; his son Walter T. Robinson Jr. and his wife Menekse, his son David Robinson and his wife Roberta, his daughter Darlene Warnken and her husband Lawrence, and his son Gary Robinson; grandchildren Jeffrey Robinson and his wife Claire, Jessica Weeth and her husband Alan, Taylor Robinson and his wife Sandra, Julia Robinson and her partner Ashley Hartt, Talia Hughes, Shannon Hughes, and Walter T. “Tripp” Robinson III; and great-grandchildren Wesley Weeth and Molly Robinson.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, July 23, at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes, where friends may call beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in Walt’s name. He would like that.
Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
Please visit Walt's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
