John "Robby" Robinson

John Nicolas “Robby” Robinson, Jr., 84, of South Haven passed away Tuesday, October 10 in Kalamazoo.

He was born September 7, 1922 in Fort Sam Houston, Texas to John and Helen Louise (Webb) Robinson Sr. John graduated from high school in Columbus, Georgia in 1938 and from the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York, class of 1944 with a Bachelors Degree. He received an MBA in 1963 from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.

For 22 years he was active in the U.S. Air Force as a pilot, administrator and educator. John enjoyed assignments in Italy during World War II, Germany (Occupation Forces), Korea (Public Relations) and Great Britain (USAF RAF Exchange Program). He taught and was an assistant professor in chemistry at USMA, 1949-1952 and the USAF Academy 1955 – 1958 and he taught USAF history, American Studies and Joint Operations at the RAF College, Cranwell, U.K. from 1958 – 1960. John was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal and Twelve other ribbons.

Upon retiring from active duty with the Air Force in 1966, Lt Col. Robinson chose to teach mathematics and physics at Msgr. Hackett High School in Kalamazoo, Michigan and later at L.C. Mohr High School in South Haven, Michigan from which he retired in 1987. Many of his students will remember his telling of “war stories” during class time. Following his full retirement, he was active in support of church activities at St. Basil Church in South Haven, and the Knights of Columbus. John assisted in other organizations such as Mobile Meals, Inc., American Cancer Society, the local humane society as well as local choral groups and our Community Theater, the Our Town Players.

He is preceded in death along with his parents by his first wife – Rosemary (Librcajt), three sisters and a brother.

He is survived by his son – John N. Robinson III of Sacramento, CA. Daughter – Christine H. Robinson and her Fiancé Dennis Nosko of Boston, MA. and four nephews. Ex-wife – Mary Ann Antrim of South Haven, MI and her children – Glynis Klein of Tampa, FL, Eric (Cathy) Antrim and their daughter – Moira Antrim of Stevensville, MI.

Memorial Mass will take place on Friday, October 13 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Basil Catholic Church with Rev. Father John Young Officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Basil Church or Southern Care Hospice at 4143 S. Westnadge #2100, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guest book at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.

The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven 637-0333.