John H. Robinson

John H. Robinson, age 85 passed away on May 23, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.    He was born on November 8, 1937 in Detroit, Michigan to his parents the late Virginia B. (née Gawley) and Leo J. Robinson. 

He is the beloved and devoted husband of 63 years to Joyce Robinson; loving father of Catherine (Greg Ballard) Hiltz, Judith (Darrin) Bartok and Johnny Robinson; proud grandfather of Matthew (Theresa) Hiltz, Andy Blalock, Jennifer Frazier (Steve Juncaj), Joey Blalock, Kristina Blalock (fi·an·cé Steven Wietecha), Lauren Hiltz (Kristopher Krzeszak) and Jonathon Robinson and great-grandfather of  Dominic Frazier, Stella Robinson, Dianna Robinson, Alannah Blalock, Penelope Hiltz, Elisabeth Hiltz, Leo Krzeszak and Roko Juncaj who will be arriving next month in June.  He is deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his brother, Leo J. (Janet) Robinson and his sister, Patricia Dierks.  He is pre-deceased by his sister Elizabeth Owsley, brother Michael Gaunt and brothers-in-law Harry Owsley and Jack Dierks.  He will be sadly missed by his many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews along with countless friends.

John and Joyce dedicated their lives to create a loving home for their family.  Before his retirement, he worked at CSX Transportation for 42 years. He was a hard-working and dedicated employee who was loved by all of his co-workers and known for that “big smile” he showed to everyone he greeted.   Many of his family photos show him with that same big smile. 

Before and after retirement, he and Joyce enjoyed camping, getting together with their many friends for card games, trips to the Casino, day trips to Shipshewana and Middlebury, Indiana, several white-water rafting adventures, and Caribbean cruises - just to name a few.  He was always ready to have fun and enjoy their family and their friends whenever or wherever.  For a few years, they went to Florida to escape the Michigan winters and be with friends for fun times in the sun.  When their grandson, Matthew was to be married in Germany, passports were applied for and a European trip was on the calendar to attend a wedding as well as other European destinations with family and friends on the trip.

He was happy, loved his family and all of their friends, never missed a family get-together, loved his life and enjoyed it to the fullest.  He cherished his role of grandfather and great-grandfather and has been a major presence in the lives of his children and grandchildren.  He was “Papa” to all of them.  They adored him and loved to laugh and joke with him.  At every family event, they would gather around him to have their picture taken with him.   He would greet you with a hug when he arrived and when it was time for him to leave, you received a hug and a reminder that you were loved by him.  

John was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother and friend.  All who knew him, could always recount a story or two that would bring a smile and lots of laughter.  He enjoyed talking about the Detroit Tigers, the Lions and the Red Wings with his son and grandsons and he always had a story to tell.

He will be forever remembered for his big, beautiful smile, gentle eyes, caring heart, his laughter, fun-loving banter with his son Johnny over the Detroit Lions vs. the Dallas Cowboys and how he treated everyone with kindness along with those unforgettable hugs and unconditional love for everyone.  We will celebrate his life and find comfort knowing his life was a blessing to all those whose life was touched by his, and he will live forever in our hearts.

John would often say, “You only live once, and if you do it right the first time, once is enough.”

Friends may visit the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth, Michigan on Friday, May 26, 2023 from 3:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Kenneth Catholic Church, 14951 North Haggerty Road, Plymouth, Michigan on Saturday, May 27, 2023 beginning at 12:30 P.M.

Those who wish to honor the memory of John H. Robinson are invited to consider a contribution to Seedlings Braille Books for Children, P. O. Box 51924, Livonia, Michigan 48151-5924.

Contribution envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home.