Edward G Robinson

The Life and Legacy of Edward George Robinson WHAT A MAN! WHAT A MAN!! WHAT A MAN!!! Edward George Robinson affectionately known as Eddie or Ed was born on June 3, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Henry Damon Robinson and Delia Rainey Robinson. Ed was one of five brothers, Henry Jr., Willie, John and Lester who were raised in North Philly. Willie departed this earth at a very young age. After the tragic passing of Willie, John and Eddie who were very close in age became best friends. A close relationship they kept throughout life until John passed away in 2020. Ed was preceded in death by his parents and remaining brothers Junior and Lester. From an early age, Ed attended the National Temple Baptist Church in North Philadelphia under the leadership of Reverend J. Bernard Waller. His mother, an usher, made sure he attended Sunday School on a regular basis. Ed received his formal education from the School District of Philadelphia, graduating from Simon Gratz High School in 1957. While at Gratz he was a member of the football team. Ed wanted to attend college after high school, but that was not in God’s plan. He worked a series of jobs including the Jerrold Electronics Corporation, where he was a Test Equipment Maintenance Technician. He continued to take classes. Numerous certificates were earned with his first certificate being from the Philadelphia Wireless Technical Institute in Practical Radio Engineering (1963–1966). He yearned to continue on a path to better himself. Ed applied for a position at Temple University in the Radio and Television Department working as a Staff Engineer from 1970 to 1978. He worked in the Closed Circuit Television Systems. While working at Temple, he took advantage of all his benefits. Receiving free tuition allowed Ed to start achieving a life long goal of becoming an educator. It was hard working full-time, taking classes and caring for a family, but he was determined to succeed. He decided to apply for a certification in Electronics, and a position with the School District of Philadelphia in 1978. Instead of the Electronics position, he was offered an opportunity to teach Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology at Alvin A. Swenson Skills Center. A secondary public high school where the students came for Career and Technical training. Striving to give his students the best instruction and experiences, he partnered with Channels 3, 6, and 10. He and his students ran the Closed Circuit TV station at the Skills Center. Working closely with other instructors on various projects, he approached the Early Childhood Education and Development Instructor, Ernestine Allston about his students working with the preschool children and high school students under her supervision. His students created a game show “Fun with Kids”. The students wrote the script, created props, set up the stage, cameras, lighting and prepped the preschool “contestants”. No stone was left unturned, and truly was a professional production. His jovial personality showed in his instruction, and his program received many accolades. All his hard work paid off in December, 1979 when he graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, with a concentration in Vocational Education. Ed was very passionate about Education. Often saying, “With the grace of God and good health, I hope to have every individual student who passes my way receive the necessary tools to deal with the demands of the world”. So passionate that he became involved with the Educator’s Roundtable, a support group of Black Educators to help others aspire to higher positions in education. Continuing his education, Ed enrolled at Antioch University and earned a Master of Arts Degree with a concentration in Administration (1981). During this same year he obtained a certificate in Real Estate Fundamentals from the North Philadelphia Realty School. He trodded on and obtained a Secondary Principal’s Certificate from Trenton State College (now university) in 1990, but decided to stay in the classroom. Becoming a principal meant long hours added to the commute from Delaware. Time he chose to spend with his family. At this juncture, in his life and with dual certifications which included a Secondary Principal’s Certificate and a Electronics Technology Certification, he decided to obtain the additional credits needed for Senior Career Teacher with the School District of Philadelphia. During this time he matriculated at St. Joseph’s University, Gratz College and the University of the Arts. After the TV and Radio Program became too costly to operate, the program he had built was closed. Ed remained at Swenson using his Electronics Technology Certification to become an Electronics Instructor for several years. Multi-talented, he took classes in Computer Assisted Drafting at Community College of Philadelphia becoming a Computer Assisted Drafting Instructor in the Automotive Academy at West Philadelphia High School. He taught the electronic aspect of building cars. After one year, he transferred to Edison-Fareira High School to teach basic Electronics, his passion. He had also obtained a Federal Communication License. After twenty-three years of exemplary service with the School District of Philadelphia, Ed retired in June, 2001. Learning about Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated during a high school trip to Maryland State Teachers College (now University of Maryland Eastern Shore), he never lost sight of one day becoming a “Kappa Man”. In December of 1982, Ed became a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated through the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter. After being in the fraternity, he became a Life time Member, and joined Club XV a smaller Kappa group. Ed was on many committees. When the conclave was in Philadelphia during the summer of 1995, he was on the hospitality committee. Ed’s love for Kappa encouraged his nephew Zachary Spence to become a member. He was proud to have another Kappa in the family. He was not only active in the fraternity, but with other Greek organizations as he once served as President of the Pan-Hellenic Council. Aunt Cecelia, an Eastern Star encouraged her favorite nephew Eddie to become a Mason. He decided on Holmesburg Lodge #137, because of the large number of Kappas in this lodge. Ed was very active moving around in the various chairs, and in 1997, he became the proud Worshipful Master of Holmesburg Lodge #137. Ed was a 32nd Degree Mason, and at one time was affiliated with the various Masonic Houses and Pyramid Temple #1 A.E.A.O.N.M.S.. Ed loved both the Kappas and Masons. He continued to serve until Parkinson’s Disease took over his spirit and significantly affected his body. Ed had lifelong friends and friendships he cherished, in addition to new friends. After moving to Mt. Airy as an adult, he never forgot about his North Philly friends. Friends, he had since General George G. Meade Elementary School and Robert Vaux Jr. High School in North Philadelphia. Alphonzo Jasper and Ed, not only had a childhood bond, but a Kappa and Masonic bond. Al older than Ed, called him several times a week, and some weeks everyday. He looked after his “younger brother”. Ed’s last conversation was with his junior high school friend Louis Human. Less than an hour later, he was rushed to the hospital. Ed loved interacting with people, and getting involved in various organizations in the community. Years ago, he was active with the Boy Scouts and The Boys and Girls Club when living in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia. After moving to Emerald Ridge in Bear, Delaware he served on the Architectural Review Committee of his development. Fond memories of Ed will be cherished by his loving and devoted wife of twenty-eight years Ernestine who was his caregiver, sons Edward Robinson, Jr., Keith Robinson, Sr. (Ophelia), and loving daughter Nicole Robinson who assisted with his care. Grandchildren Evan Robinson (Twayna), Keith Robinson, Jr. (Markeida), Aaron Robinson, and Maliana Robinson. An aunt by marriage, Audrey Allen, sister-in-laws Charlyne Allston Wright who provided her medical knowledge and constant support, Mavil Allston Spence, brother-in-laws George Allston (deceased), Stanley Allston, Douglas Allston, Joseph Allston, Eric Allston and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Lovingly Submitted, The Family

Edward G Robinson

June 3, 1939 - October 17, 2023