Obituary of John J. Robinson

John J. “Jack” Robinson 88, of Wappingers Falls, NY, loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away suddenly on October 12, 2023.

He was born on December 26, 1934 in Poughkeepsie, NY, the son of Leroy Robinson and Ella Mae Lent.

John was a graduate of Poughkeepsie High School. During his senior year, he was selected to join the IBM Tool & Die maker apprenticeship.  During this time he was drafted into the U.S. Army and became an expert marksman while serving his country from 1957 to 1959.

On December 27, 1958, he married his beloved wife Phyllis J. Dornath at St. Michaels Church in Myrtle Point, Oregon.  They remained married until her death in January 2023.

John continued to work for IBM as a Mechanical Engineer until his retirement in 1987. He was a member of the Mid-Hudson Radio Control Club, IBM Quarter Century Club, and a member of the American Veterans Historical Museum.

John has left behind quite a legacy.  Not only was he a true hero and helper to so many, but he exemplified many amazing characteristics.  Always strong, giving, determined and beyond intelligent.  He excelled in anything and everything he put his mind to.  Everyone knew he was the person to come to for a repair or helping hand.  His love for his hobbies was endless.  From radio-controlled airplanes, military shows and their re-enactments, Friday garage sales, and flea markets. He loved the hunt for that special item and all the people he met along the way.

John is survived by his children, Debra and Daniel Garlock of Wappingers Falls, NY, Brian Robinson of Wappingers Falls, NY, Michele Giewat of Wappingers Falls, NY and Kimberly and Christopher Griggs of Poughkeepsie, NY: grandchildren Sarah M. Robinson of Wappingers Falls, NY, Alex B. Robinson of LaGrangeville, NY, Karter C., Carsen K., and Kolten B. Griggs of Poughkeepsie, NY; great grandchildren Kameron C. Robinson of Wappingers Falls, NY, Kaedyn K. and Khloe C. Whyte of Wappingers Falls, NY.

John was predeceased by his brothers Leroy and Louis Robinson of Coquille, Oregon and his beloved sister Mary Ann Sundblom of Poughkeepsie, NY.

Calling hours will be on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 from 5-8 pm at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street in Wappingers Falls.

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 noon on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at St. Mary’s Church, Clinton Street in Wappingers Falls. Entombment will then follow at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery Mausoleum, South Avenue in Poughkeepsie, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of John to Tunnel to Towers (T2T.ORG), Disabled American Veterans(helpdav.org) or USO (www.uso.org)

Arrangements are under the direction of Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY