Obituary: Thomas Donald Robinson, 108, Formerly of Belmont

BELMONT, MA – Robinson, Thomas Donald, Sr., in Reading, age 108, formerly of Watertown and Belmont, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of the late Rita (Moher) Robinson and Ethel (Reed) Robinson. He leaves his son Thomas Donald Robinson Jr and his wife Joan of Chatham and his son Richard Robinson and his wife Kathleen of Reading. Loving grandfather to Michele Robinson, of Boston, Thomas J. Robinson and his wife, Denise of Newton, Richard M. Robinson and his wife, Debra of Milton, Kimberly Robinson of Quincy, Michelle Kempskie and her husband, David of Essex, and Melissa Rosetta of Reading and 10 great grandchildren. Donald was born in 1908 in Lynn, MA, the son of Virginia and Harold Robinson. He graduated from Boston College High School in 1926 and received his Bachelor’s Degree in 1930 and his Master’s Degree in 1933, both from Boston College. He continued his studies towards a Ph.D at Harvard University. Following his education, he spent the next 42 years teaching history and social studies at Watertown High School. He was also the principal of Watertown Evening School, which he co-founded. Donald enjoyed many hobbies during his long lifetime. His stamp collection coupled with his love of geography, brought him on many “armchair” travels throughout the world. He also amassed a collection of famous quotations that he used often in his daily communication with family and friends. He spent considerable time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, allowing him to keep abreast of what was happening in their lives. Donald particularly enjoyed entertaining at the Harvard Club and visiting the Athenaeum in Boston. He was a member of the Oakley Country Club in Belmont. Some of his favorite destinations included the Colonial Inn in Concord and visiting his family in Chatham. His family would like to thank the staff and friends at Sunrise Assisted Living in Burlington for adding so much pleasure to the past 2 years of dad’s life. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Thomas Donald’s visiting hours in the Short, Williamson & Diamond Funeral Home, 52 Trapelo Road, BELMONT, Monday, Dec. 12 from 4-8 p.m. His funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 13 at 10:00 a.m., St. Joseph Church, 130 Common Street, Belmont. Interment Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge. www.swdfuneralhome.com

Obituary and photo courtesy of Short, Williamson & Diamond Funeral Home