Obituary of Paul Robinson

Paul R. Robinson, 71, of Freehold Township, died on Wednesday, September 16, 2009, at CentraState Medical Center. Mr. Robinson was born in Mamaroneck, NY, and had lived in The Bronx, before moving to Lubbock, TX, where he received his pilot training. Paul settled in Freehold Township in 1970. He was a 1961 graduate of the NYU School of Commerce receiving his degree in Accounting. Mr. Robinson was a Captain in the U.S. Air Force serving as a pilot from 1961 to 1967. He served in Vietnam from 1965-1967. He was the first African American pilot hired by a major airline. Mr. Robinson flew for TWA for 32 years and retired as a Captain and Flight Instructor in 1998. He was a former Committeeman for the NJ State Education Core Curriculum under Governor Whittman. He was named a "Home Town Hero" by the Asbury Park Press in 2000. He was a member of the Noontime Optimist Club of Freehold and former Secretary and Treasurer of the Western Monmouth County Exchange Club. Paul served for 10 years on the Board of Trustees at CentraState Healthcare System. He was the Chairman of the Board at I.E.P. Youth Services, Monmouth County. Mr. Robinson was a board member of the VNA of Central Jersey. He was the ultimate volunteer making everyone feel comfortable, cared for and accepted. He was an avid New York Knicks and Yankee fan. He loved his New York football Giants. Paul had a passion for tennis, golf and no-hook fly fishing. He had a zeal for reading and photography. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Lavinia. Paul is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carole; his daughter, Pamela Robinson, of Freehold Township; a brother, Joseph F. Robinson of Minneapolis, Minn.; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Galbreath of Cortland Manor, NY and Marlene Robinson of New York City; 3 nieces, Beth Robinson Williams of New York City, Lauren Crane, and her husband, Earl, of Yorktown Heights, NY, and Erica Zuehlke, and her husband, Fabian, of Pine Bush, NY; 3 grand nephews, Cameron, Jared and Zachary; 1 Grand Niece, Alicia; his best friends, Art and Sheila Saul of Freehold Township. Visiting at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Monday, September 21, 2009, from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 10:30 AM funeral service on Tuesday, at the funeral home. Interment to follow in Brig. Gen. Wm. C. Doyle NJ Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown, NJ. For those who desire, memorial contributions in Paul's memory may be made to Camp Quality New Jersey, P. O. Box 264, Adelphia, NJ 07710 and would be appreciated. For directions, information or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.