Eunice “Robbie” Dale Robinson was a devoted husband, loving father, proud Navy veteran, steadfast friend, and tireless community advocate whose warmth, wisdom, and quiet strength left an enduring mark on everyone blessed to know him.

Robbie was born on January 21, 1942, in Greenwood, Mississippi, to the late James Warren Robinson and Lula Beatrice Robinson. He grew up in Greenwood and received his early education in the local school system before answering the call to serve his country in the United States Navy. Service to his country was a chapter of honorable duty he carried with quiet pride throughout his life. Robbie furthered his education by receiving a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia, along with several professional certificates.

In 1974, a promising career opportunity brought Robbie north to Massachusetts where he worked at General Electric in the Aircraft Engine Department. From there, he worked at Digital Corporation in Procurement. He left Digital to start his own consulting business for a short time. He ended his professional career in the Boston Public Schools as Manager of the Facilities Department. Robbie built lasting professional connections, and became an integral part of the greater Boston community. After retiring from the Boston Public Schools, Robbie loved being on the golf course. He thought that he was a “professional” golfer. When he wasn’t on the golf course, he loved being with family and friends.

In July 2002, he married Shirley Rhodes-Robinson and they established their home in Mattapan. Together they shared over two decades of devotion, companionship, and laughter. They traveled the seas with family and friends. Places visited included Alaska, the Mediterranean and Caribbean Islands. And, of course, the golf trips are too many to count.

As a father, Robbie poured a lifetime of unconditional love into his only daughter, Jamel Robinson, who was his pride and joy. To Jamel, he was an unwavering protector, a steady anchor, and a lifelong confidant. He made sure she always knew she was safe, cherished, and loved. He never missed an opportunity to remind her—and anyone listening—of his devotion to her. His pride in being her father was steadfast, simple, and complete.

To so many throughout his life, Robbie was a faithful friend and an instinctive mentor. He had a natural gift for meeting people where they were, offering patient wisdom, and lifting up the next generation. Whether sharing encouragement on a quiet afternoon or rallying his neighbors toward positive change, Robbie gave freely of his time and heart.

A man of deep personal faith, Robbie committed his spiritual walk to St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts, under the pastoral guidance of the Reverend Dr. Ellis I. Washington.

At St. Paul, Robbie poured his heart and talents into the ministry, serving faithfully on the Trustee Board and as an active member of the St. Paul Men’s Fellowship.

Robbie was a cornerstone in his neighborhood and among fellow servicemen. He was a founding member of the River Street Civic Association from its very first gatherings at the Foley Building. There, he was known as a tall, humble leader who never hesitated to speak up for his neighbors, attend community meetings, and inspire others to get involved. He was also a committed member of the 60 Plus Veterans. He was dedicated to advancing the dignity and well-being of seniors and veterans of color under the creed: Living, Aging, Serving. He held proud membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion Post 16. He joined the Health Services Board at Dimock Community Health Center in June 2007 and served as chairman from 2017-2021 before stepping down.

In 2002, Robbie faced a diagnosis of prostate cancer. Rather than letting the illness define him, he transformed his personal challenge into a life-saving mission. Alongside his close friend Thomas Farrington, Robbie stood on the front lines during the inception of the Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN). As an outspoken survivor, trusted mentor, and advocate, he led vital educational conversations at St. Paul AME and facilitated support groups across the region, including the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Believing firmly in the power of "shared experiences," Robbie lived by his own guiding belief: “When you share, you learn things you can do differently to live as a survivor.” Through his transparency and compassion, he broke down barriers, educated countless Black men, and saved lives.

On September 2, 2026, Robbie peacefully transitioned, answering the call to eternal rest after a life richly lived, generously given, and surrounded by love. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Warren Robinson and Lula Beatrice Robinson, his twin sister, Erma Robinson Miller Ward, and his youngest sister, Paula Robinson Jenkins.

He leaves behind a rich legacy of love, mentorship, and service to be cherished by his devoted wife, Shirley Rhodes-Robinson of Mattapan, MA; his beloved daughter, Jamel Robinson (Joan); three loving sisters, Era Robinson Turner and Shirley Robinson Austin, both of San Diego, CA, and Wanda Robinson Young (Willie) of Greenwood, MS; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, the church family at St. Paul AME, fellow veterans, the PHEN community, and countless lifelong friends whose lives he touched and guided.

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In lieu of flowers please consider making donations in Robbie's memory to Prostate Health Education Network