This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: Hewick Surnames: Robinson Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.robinson/9698/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Samuel James Robinson Jr.: April 14, 1919 - November 28, 2009 Captain S.J. Robinson Jr, U.S. Navy, passed away at home in Carlsbad. with his wife, daughter and son-in-law by his side. He and his wife Barbara, former residents of Coronado, had resided at Carlsbad by the Sea Retirement Home for the last eight years. Captain Robinson was born and raised in the small town of Seaford, Del. His formal education began at Randles Prep School; on to the University of Delaware; and in 1939 he entered the U.S. Naval Academy. His class had the distinction of completing graduation in three years as the U.S. had entered World War II and naval officers were in strong demand. Upon graduation he volunteered to be part of the submarine service. During the war he participated in six Pacific war patrols on the USS Pintado and also served on the USS Tusk. After returning from World War II he attended Lehigh University where he earned a master's in chemical engineering and then spent a year at the U.S. Naval War College at Newport, R.I. His naval career included command of the USS Runner and later command of five submarines while being stationed in Coronado. His last ship command was the USS Tulare which transported troops and equipment to Vietnam. One of the highlights of his career was serving at the Pentagon as executive/administrative aide to Adm. Ricketts, vice chief of naval operations. His last tour of duty was chief administrator of the naval school's command on Treasure Island. He retired from the U.S. Navy after 30 years of total devotion to the Navy and to his country. He was a decorated submariner being awarded throughout his career with two Silver Stars, Korean Medal, the Bronze Star with Combat V and Hero Medal for Vietnam operations, two Meritorious Service Medals, the Presidential Unit Citation the Submarine Combat Medal. These are just some of the many honors he received for outstanding duty. His hobbies included gardening, cooking, traveling, reading poetry and forever talking to anyone who wanted to hear about the Navy. He loved people, he loved his country, the U.S. Navy and was a hero to all who served under him. The Robinson family resided in Coronado for seven years, by far the longest time the family was stationed anywhere. Both Cindy and Blair graduated from Coronado High School. And though they lived all over the country, their fondest memories are from living in their favorite town, Coronado. They have all returned often to visit. "Captain Sam" suffered a severe stroke five years ago which left him paralyzed on one side and unable to speak, but even during the last five years of his life, his courage, determination and fortitude were evident to everyone. He fought the good fight all the days of his life. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Babara Ann Blair of Mt. Lebanon, Pittsburgh; daughter Cynthia Mendoza of San Mateo; son James Robinson of Santa Rosa; grandson Gregory Sieglitz of Sisters, Ore.; granddaughter Michele Sieglitz of Brisbane; brother Jack Robinson of Rosemont, Pa.; and best friend since kindergarten, Warren Allen of Seaford, Del. He will be greatly missed by all. A memorial service will be conducted by Rev. Rich Gantenbine, pastor of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Sonoma, at 2 p.m. on Dec. 18 at Carlsbad by the Sea Retirement Home. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested a donation be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, 875 North Randolph Street, suite 225, Arlington, VA 22203. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.