Edward J Robinson

Noted American businessman Edward J. Robinson died February 4, 2024 in Palm Beach, Florida. He was born on May 12, 1940 in Mamaroneck, New York, as the only child of Edward D. Robinson and Christine Walsh Robinson. A first generation American, he was raised in a warm Irish Catholic household with traditions that he carried on with his future family.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah A. Robinson, of Palm Beach and Atlanta, and his son Michael Robinson. Also surviving are cousins Carol Taylor, Richard Dupont and Catherine Doyle, along with several nieces and nephews as well as a host of extended family members in Dublin, Ireland, and close friends and business associates.

A born businessman and entrepreneur, Ed worked many jobs as a teenager, including at a local hardware store and farm, and sold evergreen wreaths at Christmas. After saving enough money to buy a car, his first entrepreneurial effort was to charge his friends for rides to school. When gas prices rose, he increased the fare. One friend, a future judge, wouldn’t pay the increased fare so he was discharged from the car on the spot and had to walk to school.

This keen no-nonsense business sense served him well as he began his professional career as a Certified Public Accountant in the New York financial district. He worked at Standard Brands with close friend Ross Johnson. The pair eventually acquired Nabisco Brands and RJR. Ed become the Chief Financial Officer of RJR Nabisco. In 1988 RJR Nabisco was acquired by the firm KKR in one of the largest leveraged buyouts in U.S. history, which was the basis for the book and subsequent HBO movie Barbarians at the Gate. He later served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Avon and on the board of directors of several companies. He was named among the top 100 Irish Americans by Irish America Magazine.

Golf was his true passion. He was a member of several golf clubs, including Winged Foot, Blind Brook where he served as a governor, The Bears Club, The Loxahatchee Club and The Breakers. He was also a member of the Metropolitan Club in New York City as well as several social clubs in Palm Beach. He was a benefactor of Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, New York where he funded scholarships for students in need. He and Deborah were honored to be named to the school’s Hall of Fame.

In addition to his family, Ed was devoted to his dogs ranging from rescue dogs to purebreds. He heaped love and adulation on each dog through the years, including his last, Jackson J., an English Chocolate Lab.

He learned to love living in Palm Beach better than anywhere else he had called home. He enjoyed life in their historic landmarked home Villa Banyan, with frequent outings to favorite Palm Beach establishments such as Surfside Café, The Breakers and Club Colette.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 20 from 5-7 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Home, 5411 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, February 21 at 11 a.m. at St. Edward Roman Catholic Church, 144 North County Road, in Palm Beach with Father Thomas Collins, a family friend, presiding. Burial will be private. Memorials may be made to the Tri-County Animal Rescue (www.tricountyanimalrescure.com).