Harvey Arthur Robinson Jr.

Harvey "Robbie" Arthur Robinson, 95, of Fredericksburg, VA, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023. He was born on October 29, 1927, in Sibley Hospital, Washington, DC to Marjorie and Harvey Robinson, Sr.

Robbie was a man who lived life on his own terms, with a fierce independence and a sassy spirit. At the age of 15, he left home to live with his beloved Aunt Betsy, later discovering that she was, in fact, his grandmother. He attended 3 years of High School at Anacostia High School before joining the Merchant Marines at the age of 16, where he later sailed on the liberty ship Joaquin Miller at age17, departing from New York and bound for Boston and then Europe. In February 1946 he joined the US Army as a private, followed by non commissioned officers’ school before being honorably discharged in 1947 for a disability.

In May of 1946, Robbie married Roberta Louise Inglis, later divorcing in 1954. After being honorably discharged in April 1947, he began a career in sales. He worked for Service Tire Company selling tires and appliances in Falls Church, VA, then Oscar Mayer, and retired after 32 years with John Sexton & Co. He married his lovely wife Doris “Dee” Ann Robinson, mother to his two children in 1955. After 44 years of marriage Dee passed away in 1999. Later Robbie had two special relationships before his death, first with Beulah of Washington, NC and then Anne of Norfolk, VA who proceeded him in death, both of whom our family loved very much.

Robbie retired at the age of 62 and built his dream home on the 3rd fairway of the Washington Yacht & Country Club in Washington, NC. He lived there for over 20 years before moving to Fredericksburg to be closer to his family. He enjoyed hobbies such as golf, painting, model ship building, model trains, woodworking, reading, and playing poker.

But Robbie's true passion was his family and friends. He and Dee raised their family in a very special neighborhood in Arlington, VA where they lived for almost 30 years. The close friendships with loving neighbors developed into a long-time extended family for life. Robbie cherished these relationships and the memories they shared, which included holiday parties, football get-togethers, and endless laughter.

"Robbie's work with John Sexton & Co. was very important to him. Starting as a salesman, he worked his way up to become a sales manager. The bonds he developed with his coworkers over the years were very close, and he was thankful for their loyalty and friendship, which continued throughout his life. His coworkers were as much family to him as his biological family, and he treasured those relationships as much as anything else in his life."

Robbie was preceded in death by his loving parents, Marjorie and Harvey, his beautiful wife, Dee, and his son, Gary Arthur Robinson who died at the age 40. He leaves behind his daughter, Sheri Ann Robinson, and three grandchildren, Christopher Yates Wemple IV, Dalton Gary Marshall Wemple, and Molly Robinson. He was extremely proud of all his grandchildren and their many accomplishments and successes.

Robbie will be missed by his family and friends, but his memory will live on in the many lives he touched throughout his long life. Robbie's final message to his family and friends was one of gratitude and love. He wanted everyone to know how much he appreciated them and how grateful he was for their presence in his life. He said, "I've had a good life, I'm ready to go and in the words of Frank Sinatra "I did my way". I love you all and will see you again someday." His words will be forever cherished by those who knew him, and his memory will live on as a testament to the kind and caring person he was.

A graveside memorial service will be held Saturday, June 10th, 11:00 a.m. at Andrew Chapel Cemetery, 1308 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182, followed by a celebration of life at a location to be determined. Please text Sheri at 540-429-0006 if you plan to attend. Sheri will inter her dear brother Gary's ashes at the foot of his mother's grave next to Robbie at the same time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Cancer Society or The American Heart Association.