Obituary of Robert Harold Robinson

Robert Harold Robinson, Sr. of Cocoa, Florida, born to James Edwin and Dorothy Hope Robinson on March 17, 1944 in North Attleborough, Massachusetts, passed away on December 20, 2020. Robert lived a very full life, having lived in more than 43 states before the age of 13, at which point his family embarked upon a final move from La Mesa, California to settle down in Titusville, Florida. In 1959, Robert attended Titusville High School, where he met his future wife of 56 years, Sherrie, after she had moved from Buffalo, New York with her family and also settled in Titusville. On October 9, 1964, Robert, whom Sherrie would thereafter refer to as Bob, or “Baby Blue,” married Sherrie and they began their lives together; a journey that would bring them three wonderful children over three decades – Robert, Jr., in 1965, Laurel in 1973, and Alexandra in 1983. During his early years, Robert worked for numerous companies at the Cape. Most notably, he became the Lead of the Hydraulics Team at Northrop Grumman responsible for the development and building of the Lunar Excursion Module (LEM) that would walk on the moon. Robert was quite proud of his involvement with the Space Program and his name was included on a plaque affixed to the descent stage platform of the LEM, which remains on the surface of the moon today. After leaving the Cape, Robert had a fulfilling 35 year career with the Florida Power and Light Company where he was known by his colleagues as “Robbie.” His tenacious drive and unyielding work ethic, which had brought him his earlier success out at the Cape, enabled him to work his way into upper management at FPL. Over several decades, “Robbie” cultivated many friendships that he would hold dear throughout the rest of his life. In 2004, he joyously retired from FPL at the age of 60. Anyone who truly knew Robert, knew of his inherent love of the sea, which influenced all of those around him. His favorite pastimes were boating and fishing – pastimes that he and his family shared together throughout his life. Special bonds and indelible memories were formed on the water with each and every member of his family as well as with close friends. After his retirement from FPL, he eagerly took up his lifelong passion of fishing and became a licensed Captain. He spent several years as “Capt. Bob,” of the sport fishing vessel “Sea Woof,” where he found both peace and happiness out on the open water. In addition to being Capt. Bob, Robert also spent the latter of his post-retirement years assisting his son with his construction business, RHR Construction & Development. Robert was ‘supposed’ to act as a Supervisor, but as everyone knew, he just couldn’t resist getting involved in the swinging of sledgehammers, the running of jack hammers, and the digging of ditches, irrespective of his title. Robert was predeceased by his father and mother, James and Dorothy Robinson, and brother George and his wife Carol. He is survived by his wife, Sherrie, and their three children: Robert, Jr., his wife Mitzi and grandchildren Trey (Robert, III), Zachary, Chase, and Tessa; Laurel and grandchildren Alexis and Ryan and great-grandchild Calliope; and Alexandra and her husband Michael; as well as Bob’s brothers and their families: Donald Robinson, Sr., his wife Diane and nephew Donald, Jr., and family; Alan Robinson, his wife Carolyn and nephew Doug and niece Melissa and their families; and George and Carol’s daughters, nieces Karen and Kelly and their families. While Robert held many roles and titles relative to his relationships with so many, he was important to everyone in his life. He was regarded as a wonderful husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, friend and provider. He was a pillar of strength and wisdom for his family and the loss of his presence will forever be felt in everyone’s lives that he touched. He had great faith in Christ Jesus and Jehovah his Creator, from which his strength and wisdom were derived. Though he walks in the valley of deep shadow, he fears no harm. Robert strongly believed in the gift of life through donorship, and since his passing, his tissues have been donated to several recipients. In keeping with Robert’s beliefs and wishes, he has been cremated and will soon be Buried-at-Sea. A Celebration-of-Life will be held at the home of Robert, Jr. and Mitzi Robinson on December 31, 2020, from 1 to 5 PM at 5454 Riveredge Dr. Titusville, Florida 32780.