Grace Sparks met Duane through work, and I was honored to become part of a loving friendship that included Mark Gostel, Cathy Stubblefield, Theresa Gillis & Grace.  

This evening, Grace & I prepared a lovely Happy Birthday Card for our sweet little brother..... and as I went to verify Duane's address online, I discovered that he had joined his Mom in Heaven.

To Duane's family:  Please accept Grace's & my deepest of condolences.  Duane has ALWAYS held a special place within our hearts......


Duane was one-of-a-kind, as he liked to call himself, D'Only. He could brighten a room with his wit and smile. We worked together for 25+ years, starting back with the old LANTDIV and ending at NAVFAC as we both retired. We also figured out we lived right down the street from each other growing up...members of the Carolanne Farms pool.  He was a great friend and I will cherish every memory.  He has a very special place in my heart. The posted photos are wonderful and a great tribute to his life and charm. I will miss him so much.

     The first time I saw Duane Robinson, he sat on my couch in my den and was introduced to me by my husband, Ray Brandi, who worked with Duane at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, VA.  I thought Duane was so adorably cute I just wanted to pinch his cheeks!  Ray, who passed in 2019, loved Duane like a brother, and I could see why.  Duane played a joke on Ray, telling him over the phone he'd made a really bad investment and the police were at his door wanting to take him to jail.  Ray called me at work to tell me he had to take money out of savings to get Duane out of jail!  Of course, I said, "Sure honey; do what you have to do."  That's when Duane came out of hiding to say he was only kidding.
     Looking at all the photos from his friends and family, it's obvious Duane was loved by a lot of people.  I have no photos to share, but it is with great sadness that I leave my heartfelt condolences on this website for his friends and family.  God bless you, Duane. - Kathy Brandi

Your laugh was infectious.  You brightened a room when you walked in.  I will never forget your kindness.  Godspeed brother from another mother.  ~ Carla (Beausoleil) Smith

Duane was a kind and compassionate human being who will be greatly missed.  Although his time on Earth was shortened, his impact on our lives will last forever. We are so fortunate to have known Duane and we have so many fond memories of fun times.
Our condolences are with the Robinson family during this time of profound sorrow.

Duane was the epitome of kindness, goodness and everything this world needs more of!  I loved our time together.    Rest easy wonderful person.  Know you will be missed by many and loved by all💗

Duane was a great coworker when we were both just starting our careers at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in the late eighties.  He was always kind, and I remember some special conversations we shared. I have only seen him 2-3 times in recent years but remember him fondly.  Praying for peace and comfort for his family and friends.
With sincere sympathy, Jenny Richards 

Duane was a beautiful man inside and out. He always brought a smile when he saw you. Have known him since he was a child. His mother, Judy, was one of my best friends. Will never forget him or his mother’s eulogy that he delivered. My love and sorrow to the family. 

Duane was a wonderful friend and manager. He was always super friendly, funny and making people laugh. He would always go all out in the office for Halloween, though the black cat made its way to the Front Office one year. I will forever miss his smile, laughter and reminders to binge watch the newest season of Blown Away. 

NAVFAC LANT holiday party 2019. We closed down the party…

Christmas at the Chrysler Museum, Norfolk Va. Duane was such an intelligent and caring man we were blessed to call our friend. We shared many good times at get togethers in each other's or friends homes, garden tours, dinners or drinks. Gone much too soon. Words can't adequately convey how much we'll miss you Duane. 

I’m very sorry to hear of Duane’s passing. We worked quite closely together in the NC IPT architectural branch, and he was my supervisor for a while before he took the position at the Corps. He was a great person to work with! I offer my sincere sympathy to his family.

I’m very saddened to hear of Duane’s passing.  He was a truly fine person, a talented Architect, and a terrific colleague. He provided a great service to the Navy and to the country throughout his career. 

I’m so sad learning of Duane’s passing. I had the greatest time working with Duane on Camp Lejeune projects (EOD Facility, Fire Station Addition, etc.). Duane was always on top of his game and performed outstanding work. I can’t say enough great things about Duane but will always miss him as a friend. A great man with immense talent that GOD called home too soon. RIP Duane Robinson, the wonderful soul you are. 

Duane was a great mentor and friend. We had such a fun time working on projects together, especially the Fire Station at Joint Base Charleston, SC. I’ll always remember his upbeat personality and happy demeanor. 

This made me laugh and cry.  Taken on board the European River Cruise we took together in 2016.  He danced every chance he got from when we met in college to just a few short years ago.  I'm sure he's cutting a rug up above this very minute.

Allen Orsini
Duane's College Roommate

Duane in his last moments before passing said, "I just want to say, I love you all." We love you Duane. A part of all of us goes with you and you will always be a part of us.

Duane was one of the most kind individuals I have ever known. I will miss his smile, wry sense of humor, and company. Whether a simple lunch or on a trip with friends, everything was better because he was there.

Memorial Visitation

Edward "Eddie" Robinson

Curtis "Curt" Robinson (Susan)

Amy Robinson

Duane is cherished in memory by his nephew, Curtis "CJ" Robinson and a niece, Abigail "Abby" Robinson, and other significant family members and friends.

OBITUARY

Duane Edward Robinson

July 13, 1964 – May 14, 2024

Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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