Thomas Jefferson Robinson, beloved and loving husband, father, and grandfather died Thursday at Floyd E. ‘Tut’ Fann State Veterans Home in Huntsville, Alabama, after a long and happy life shortened by Alzheimer’s.
Tom was born in Raymond, New Hampshire. He was predeceased by his brother Burgess Robinson. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marlene Robinson, children Jeffrey Robinson (Cheryl) and Kristy Robinson Lombardo (Anthony) of Indianapolis, grandchildren Matthew Robinson (Katharina van Santen) of Atlanta, Maggie Hall (David), Michael Robinson, Alexandra Lombardo of Indianapolis, and Christopher Lombardo of Indianapolis, and a brother Richard Robinson (Sarah.)
Tom received his Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Hampshire in 1954 and worked at IBM in New York. After accepting his commission in the Army, he earned a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from Arizona State University and his Master’s in Program Management from the University of Southern California. He spent 23 years in the Army Air Defense and Field Artillery before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel after serving in both Korea and Vietnam and working in the Joint Chiefs of Staff Office in the Pentagon.
In 1978, Tom moved his family to Huntsville for a second career at Teledyne Brown Engineering where he worked for 21+ years and retired as the Director of Space Programs.
Tom helped run an investment club for many years and was very active in Better Investing (BI) including as the Director of the Alabama Chapter. During retirement, he taught investment classes for BI and for UAH’s Lifelong Learning Institute.
Tom and his wife were avid square dancers and ice hockey fans. Tom also enjoyed camping, gardening, and coin collecting. They are members of Trinity United Methodist Church (TUMC) where Tom served on the Finance Committee.
Visitation will be at TUMC on Saturday, April 9 at 10:00 am followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am. Tom will be buried in Raymond, New Hampshire, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, TUMC, or Floyd E. ‘Tut’ Fann State Veterans Home – Business Office.
