Paul N Robinson

Paul Nathan Robinson, age 84, of Cape Coral FL, passed away on Friday, August 18, 2023. He was born in DuQuoin, Illinois on January 28, 1939 and lived in Dowell. In high school, he lettered in track, baseball, and basketball and later played basketball for McKendree College. He married his high school sweetheart, Marsha Rae Eaton, in 1958. He graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1962 with a degree in Education and taught in the Illinois school system for 8 years. He was certified in Special Education and coached the boy’s basketball team. He moved to Cape Coral, FL in 1972 with his wife and 5 children. There he took a position with the Lee County School System teaching Driver’s Education and heading up the job placement program for Fort Myers High School, earning numerous service recognitions from the Lee County School Board until his retirement in 2003. He also owned and operated PNR Cleaning Service from 1973 to 2018. He has been a member of Cape Coral United Methodist Church since 1972.

Paul set the example; wake up, work hard, be honest, help others, take care of your family, love God. He didn’t care what other people said or did, he would do what he felt was right. He enjoyed playing golf on Sunday with his buddies and was an excellent card player. Every Wednesday after he retired was date day, when he and Marsha would have lunch, see a movie, and do their shopping. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting Paul, you may have been gifted a less than unique nickname, wet Willy, or one of his coveted skipping rocks. He also had his share of nicknames; his parents called him “Junior,” his sister and friends called him “Robbie,” and his students affectionately referred to him as “Rob.” He’s also been known to spit water at people for fun, which he found hilarious. He liked to goof around, and usually left Marsha shaking her head... but always with a smile on her face.

In the later stages of Alzheimer’s, he forgot many things, but when he saw his family he knew they were people that loved him. He would say, “If anyone messes with you, you tell me because I’ll knock ‘em out!” He never lost his sense of humor. He read the obituaries every day and was so excited for each person who reached 100 years of age. He loved to dance to the oldie's, and Grease was one of his favorite movies to watch and dance along. He could never throw away an empty bottle or napkin without tossing it like a basketball four feet away from the trashcan. He could still win every hand of Rummy. He was still the same “rascal” he has always been.

To all of his friends: you’ll never know how much you meant to him. He had the best time with you. He never stopped reminiscing about “running the town” with his buddies. To his students: you gave his life meaning and purpose. He is so proud of each and every one of you. You filled his heart.

Paul is survived by his sister, Alice Perryman, and brother-in-laws Donald Perryman and Rick Trickett; his sister-in laws (but more like sisters) Carole Bailey, Donna Piper, and Tara Trickett; his children, Zachery Robinson, Rena Braun, Stephanie Negip, Cynthia Nieves, and Theresa Robinson; his son-in-laws Ernest Braun and John Nieves; his grandchildren, Brittney Negip, Tyler Braun (Katelyn), Lindsey Angove (Paul), Brandy Naylor, Alexandra Polidan (Alexander); his great-grandchildren Adrian Barbosa, Samantha Naylor, Nathan Naylor, Carter Angove and Victoria Angove; his nieces Debbie Ciolino, Denise Mezo, Dalice Perryman-Torres, Beth Zerpa, Kathy Elson; and his nephews Deon Perryman, Greg Bailey, Travis Trickett, Chance Trickett, and Clint Trickett. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Marsha Robinson, and his parents, Nathan and Suzanne Robinson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in his memory to:

The Alzheimer's Association at Walk to End Alzheimer's. Stephanie will be walking with the team McGregor Marchers and also invites you to join us in the walk taking place on December 2nd at FSW.

Or The Jim Piper Memorial Scholarship Fund, PO Box 655, Elkville, IL 62932, founded in memory of Paul’s brother-in-law.

A visitation for Paul will be held Tuesday, August 29, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Coral Ridge Funeral Home & Cemetery, 950 Chiquita Blvd. S, Cape Coral, FL 33991. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, August 29, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 950 Chiquita Blvd. S, Cape Coral, FL 33991.

For those that wish to view the Livestream for the funeral, please use the link below

https://youtube.com/live/8RO4-fFMUNk?feature=share

https://youtube.com/live/wbr4_u8A9jk?feature=share

Please be our guest for lunch at Micheli's Waterfront Restaurant at 3930 Pine Island Road, Matlacha immediately following the service

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CoralRidgeFuneralHome.com for the Robinson family.