John Wallace Robinson, 73, of 1501 Hancock Road, died January 27 at his home.
He was born in Burlington, Vt., on November 6, 1933, a son of the late George Wallace Robinson and Margaret (Tudhope) Robinson. He attended schools in South Hero, Vt., and graduated from the Lyndon Institute in Lyndonville, Vt. He also attended the University of Vermont and graduated from Castleton State College. He received a master’s degree in education from Springfield College in Springfield, Mass.
Mr Robinson was a veteran of the Korean War and served in the US Army in Alaska. He was last employed as the guidance director at the New Lebanon Central High School in New Lebanon, N.Y., for 35 years until his retirement in 1990.
For the last 40 years he dealt in antiques, doing shows on weekends while he was still a guidance director and working full-time at it after his retirement. Dealing mainly in early country pieces, architectural elements, early hardware and paintings, he exhibited at many shows, including The Vermont Dealers Show, Nan Gurley shows and the Rhinebeck Antiques Fair. Over the years he saved several early homes and also dealt in antique building materials.
His many friends in the antiques business will miss his never-ending sense of humor and his positive attitude. Regardless of how well a show was going for him, he was always smiling and looking forward to another day.
He was an active member of the Williamstown House of Local History. He was a member of the Masons and served the town of Williamstown as a member of its Cable Committee. He also volunteered with Elder Services’ Meals on Wheels program.
Survivors include one son, John J. Robinson, and his wife, Stacey, and three grandsons, Noah, Hale and Brody of Honolulu, Hawaii; two brothers, Henry Robins and Arthur Robinson of South Hero, Vt.; his former wife and best friend, Christina Angell of Townshend, Vt.; and several nieces and nephews. A son, Seth Robinson, died in infancy.
A memorial service for John W. Robinson will be celebrated at a later date. Burial will be in South Hero, Vt. There are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to the Williamstown House of Local History, 1095 Main Street, Williamstown MA 01267 or to VNA-Hospice of North Berkshire, 535 Curran Memorial Highway, North Adams MA 01247.
