Obituary of Edward T. Robinson III

Edward T. Robinson III, a longtime attorney in Oyster Bay, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2021 following complications caused by Parkinson's Disease. Born in 1932, Ed grew up in Oyster Bay, NY and attended St. Dominic Elementary and High School. He graduated from College of the Holy Cross in 1954 and considered his four years there the most formative of his life. After college, he served in the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Corps (CIC) in Berlin. In his down time in Berlin, he formed and played drums in a swing jazz band, which enjoyed an enthusiastic following. Upon returning home, Ed enrolled in Georgetown University Law School, graduating in 1960. After several years as a staff trial attorney for the Royal Globe Insurance Company, he established his own law firm in Oyster Bay, where he practiced for 43 years and was considered a staple of the community.

Known for his warmth, openness, and integrity, Ed Robinson actively served his community. One of his highest priorities was the Bar Association of Nassau County, which he joined in 1962 and served for over 50 years, mentoring countless young attorneys. Following many years as an Elected Director and Committee Chair, he was elected President in 1986. He set out to increase the representation and influence of female and Black attorneys in the Nassau Bar, and considered the positive results of these efforts his most enduring achievement. He also served as a delegate to the New York State Bar Association and was elected Vice President of its 10th Judicial District.

Ed held official posts on numerous boards, including United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, Theodore Roosevelt Association of America, Oyster Bay–East Norwich Chamber of Commerce, Holy Cross Club of Long Island, and St. Dominic Parent-Alumni Association. He also served on the Advisory Boards of Fleet Bank and Chicago Title Insurance Company. Ed and his wife Lynn chaired United Cerebral Palsy's Forget-Me-Not-Ball six times, and Ed was honored as UCP Nassau's "Man of the Year."

His congenial nature, wit, and sincerity made Ed beloved among friends. Ed was an avid sports fan, and he shared a passion for playing golf with his wife and children. A skilled jazz drummer, he played with a subtlety and ease admired by professionals.

Above all, Ed Robinson was completely devoted to Lynn, his loving wife of over 52 years, their six children - Edward IV "Robby," Wendy Cioni (Christopher), Christopher (Margot), Jeffrey (Marie), Lesley Stackler (Walter), and Michael (Christine), 14 cherished grandchildren, and one great-grandson. Ed is also survived by his sister, Margaret Nelson (Jerry). He is preceded in death by his parents, the late Nassau County Supreme Court Justice Edward Robinson Jr. and Helen Rahilly Robinson, as well as his sister, Suzanne Patrick (Rod).

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Ed Robinson's life on Saturday, May 15, 2021. Visitation, Oyster Bay Funeral Home  261 South St., Oyster Bay, NY, from 9:30-11:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Dominic RC Chapel, Oyster Bay, NY at 11:30 a.m. Interment is Private. A reception will follow in Manhasset.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Merakey Allegheny Valley School, serving adults with intellectual and physical disabilities, and where Ed and Lynn's eldest son Robby resides. Merakey AVS, 1996 Ewings Mill Road, Coraopolis, PA 15108 attn. Dorothy Gordon (avs.merakey.org)