Obituary of Charles Louis Robinson

Charles Louis Robinson, 63 of Utica, NY, passed away on April 10, 2016 surrounded by his family and friends. Charles was born in Tuskegee, Alabama to the late Tommie Lee Jirado and Lilly Pearl McNeil. Charles was educated at Tuskegee Institute High School and later received a two year certificate in Basic Electronics and Auto Body Repair at the Rochambeau Technical School located in White Plains, NY. Charles left Alabama at the age of 19 and moved to the state of New York, where he started his career in Terrytown, NY as an Electronics Mechanic, monitoring and repairing hospital diagnostic machines. Charles than had Central New York on his mind and moved to Utica, NY in 1985. Charles was known as a “Man of Service” within the community. As a testimony to his community service, Charles received the “Mother Lavender Award", an award named after Mother Lavender, an evangelist and Utica community activist who was committed to aiding the needy, spiritually and materially. Also known for his cooking, gardening (Charles started the Hope House community garden) “Sweet Potato” pies, collard greens, fishing and his hats! Charles leaves to mourn his passing, his mother Mrs. Lilly Pearl (McNeil) Robinson (Al); brothers: Joseph (Trish) (NY), Michael and Melvin (AL); sisters Brenda (Al), Denise (Al) and Carmen Hall (OH); uncles: John, Nathaniel, Aaron, Freddie and Clarence (AL), Albert (FL) and Eddie (NY); aunts: Mary Echols (Al), Dorothy Robinson (Al) and Gloria Forte (GA); his Utica "mother", Charlie Mae Sellers; as well as a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Charles was predeceased by his father, Tommie Lee Jirado, Jr.; sister Carla; grandparents: Tommie Lee Jerido, Sr., and Annie B. Jerido; uncles: Arthur Jerido and Lee Andrew Jerido and aunt Ethel Pearl Dubose. At the request of the family, Charles will be interred at Ashdale Cemetery in Tuskegee Alabama. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Hope House, 130 Eagle St., Utica, NY 13501 in Charles' honor. Services will be held on Monday, April 18, 2016 at T. Revels-Gibson Funeral Home, 144 Eagle Street, Utica, NY 13501. Family and friends may call at 11:00 am with services beginning at 12:00 pm.