Percell Robinson

Percell Abimelech Robinson of Philadelphia, PA, passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2020. He was 96 years old and died of natural causes at Vitas Inpatient Hospice Unit of Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, Darby, Pennsylvania.

Born May 2, 1924 in the Woodville section of Richmond, VA, Dad was the son of the late Daniel S. Robinson and Carrie V. (nee Hundley) Robinson. Neighborhood women were  especially committed to Grandmom Carrie, because she had lost her two previous children when they were very young.  Their prayers may have accounted for Dad’s longevity and youthful appearance.

From his childhood, Dad demonstrated electronic and mechanical skills, sometimes disassembling machinery from his father’s broom factory.  When Dad’s father died, he quit grade school and worked to help support his mother.  His uncle and aunt, Richard and Lena Tompkins, helped raise him, along with his older siblings, Matthew J. Robinson, Sr., and Florine Gaines. As an adult, Dad graduated from Benjamin Franklin / Standard Evening High School in Philadelphia. He received a Teaching Certificate in Union and Labor Negotiations from Rutgers University. He also attended Virginia Union University, Saint Joseph’s College, and University of Pennsylvania.

During World War II, Dad moved north to Philadelphia, PA, and met Elaine Sommerville, as both worked for the United States Signal Corps. They were married in 1949 by Reverend Daniel Rideout and joined Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church (formerly Camphor Methodist Episcopal Church).

Dad served honorably in the United States Army and was later employed by the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) in 1943. He was promoted to technical writer and engineer, where he tested one of the first mass produced television sets. He also served on the executive board of Union Local 241, as the Editor and Director of Research, Education, and Publicity, for the American Federation of Technical Engineers of the AFL-CIO.  He retired from RCA after 37 years in 1980.

Dad stressed family because his own father died when he was young. He taught us that marriage was created by God between a man and a woman, based on the Holy Bible. He also taught us achievement in society through non-violence, and respected the example set by the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dad was especially proud of his grandchildren. At times he was demanding and could be challenging. He also loved and frequently visited his Richmond, VA family. They have always been warm and hospitable to us.

In his spare time, Dad installed or repaired televisions, radios, furnaces, hot water heaters, appliances, plumbing fixtures, auto parts, and even roof carpentry. We admired Dad’s skills and rarely needed a repairman in our home.

Dad was the beloved husband of the late Elaine S. (nee Sommerville) Robinson. He is survived by his three adult children, Daniel K. Robinson (Dianne, his wife), Vincent S. Robinson, and Karen L. Robinson; four grandchildren, Sarah E. Robinson, Mary D. Robinson, Marcus J. Robinson, and Paul N. Robinson; three grandnephews / grandniece Matthew J. Robinson III, Deitra Harris, and Yvonne Robinson Free; and many great-grandnephews and nieces.

Memorial services and interment are private, but will be live streamed here through The Donohue Funeral Home Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thedonohuefuneralhome/