Robinson, John “Jack”
Robinson, John Frederick. “Jack” age 105 of Newton, NJ passed away peacefully Monday April 3, 2017 with his loving family by his side in Bristol Glen of Newton. Born in Battle Creek Michigan, he had lived many years in Jackson Heights, NY, Westwood, NJ and Harrington Park, NJ.
Son of the late Chester and Mae (Rainbow) Robinson, Jack was a graduate of the Newtown High School Elmhurst, Long Island and was later graduated from Cornell University in 1936 earning his degree in Hotel Management. He began his career working at hotels in New York City and Boca Raton, FL before joining the Pennsylvania Railroad as a Dining Car Conductor. Later he managed the Elvin Lodge in Mt. Pocono, PA. Most of his working career was as a Pharmaceutical Sales Rep. retiring from Lederle Labs of Pearl River, NY and then Dermik Corp. Long Island, NY.
A talented musician, he enjoyed playing piano in the Catskill Mountains with his band, Robinson’s Rhythm Ramblers at the Sunset Park Inn, Haines Falls, NY for eight summer seasons in the late 20’s and 30’s. A longtime member of the Westwood, NJ United Methodist Church; Jack had also served as their Music Director. And for the past ten years as a resident of Bristol Glen, he contributed his talent of music for the enjoyment of his fellow residents.
Other interests included a love of theater especially vaudeville which he developed as a youth growing up in New York. This later led to his involvement with the Theater Historical Society of America for whom he wrote several articles on the grand old days of NY Theater for their publication, Marquee, which can be found in the US Library of Congress.
Jack was also an accomplished water color artist and showed in many North Jersey art shows selling and winning many ribbons including Best in Show awards. By his count, he sold roughly 1400 paintings which are now all over the country.
Pre deceased by his beloved wife Janina in 2012 as well as his brother Joseph Warren in 2008, Jack is survived by his sons Warren and his wife Janet of Syracuse, NY, John “Jack” and his wife Barbara of Sparta, NJ and Lawrence and his wife Leslie of Saugerties, NY. Also surviving are his seven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel of Bristol Glen #200 Bristol Glen Dr. Newton, NJ on April 29 at 11 AM. Arrangements are under the direction of the Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bristol Glen Resident Council, 200 Bristol Glen Dr. Newton N J 07860. Online condolences may be offered at www.iliff-ruggierofuneralhome.com
