John T. Robinson, a long-time resident of Yorktown Heights, passed away on February 9, 2025. He was 71 years old.
Dr. Robinson was an accomplished computer scientist. He earned a B.S. in Mathematics from Stanford University (1974), completing his degree in three years, followed by a PhD in Computer Science from Carnegie Mellon University (1981). Dr. Robinson was an inventor and co-inventor of 34 patents, and published over 30 papers for academic journals and conferences. He was named an IBM master inventor from 1999-2002, receiving two IBM top-5% and one top-30% rated patent awards, as well as an Outstanding Innovation Award and two Research Division Awards. Dr. Robinson previously worked at the High Energy Physics Lab at Stanford University; as a Night Watchman at the Peninsula Creamery in Palo Alto, California; and as an Assistant Signalman for the Southern Pacific Railroad in Martinez, California.
Dr. Robinson was passionate about environmental stewardship and will be remembered for his daily walks throughout the many local nature preserves, frequently posting photographs of his outings which gained an online following. In the past decade, he began writing poetry and retook up playing the flute, an interest from his youth during which he played with the Contra Costa County Ensemble. He was also a scholar and practitioner of Zen Buddhist philosophy.
Dr. Robinson was born to John and Gladys Robinson of Mississippi, moving frequently with his family throughout the American west as his father helped to build the Southern Pacific Railroad.
Dr. Robinson was preceded in death by his wife, Paula Robinson, on the same date 13 years prior. He is survived by his daughter, Johanna Robinson; sister, Victoria Johnston; and his two cats, Lenny and Zel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Teatown Lake Reservation, https://www.teatown.org/get-involved/donate/ or the SPCA of Westchester, https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/SPCAofWestchester/honorandmemory25.html
His final resting place will be Rose Hills Memorial Park, 101 Mill St., Putnam Valley, NY 10579; a Memorial will be held at the FDR State Park, Spring 2025. Details will be updated on Clark & Giordano Funeral Home's website, https://www.clarkfh.com/ when finalized.
