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WARREN -- John W. Robinson, 83, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on Aug. 9, 1943, in Painesville, Ohio, to Ray E. and Mildred I. Boggs Robinson, John lived a life defined by dedication, integrity and a deep passion for helping young people grow into men of character. John earned his Eagle Scout Award in 1960 with Troop 55 in Madison, Ohio, and for more than 70 years, John gave back to his community by serving as Scoutmaster at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, and Troop 25 in Champion, Ohio, where he guided hundreds of Scouts through camping trips, merit badge milestones, and dozens of Eagle Scout service projects.
To John, the Scout Oath and Scout Law were not just words recited around a campfire but a daily blueprint for how to live. Whether teaching a tenderfoot how to tie a square knot, stoking the coals for a Dutch-oven dinner, or mentoring a young leader through their senior patrol leader responsibilities, John led by example. His sense of humor was unique and memorable and many of his “boys” honored his memory by continuing on with his "Dad joke" style.
In recognition of his lifelong devotion to Scouting, John was honored with the Silver Beaver Award. John participated as staff for National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) for many years and was on camp staff for many summers at camps such as Camp Stigwandish (Madison), Camp Chickagami (Parkman), Camp Stambaugh (Canfield) and Camp Beaumont (Rock Creek). He was a proud Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow, where, as a younger man, he was a dance troupe member of the Order of the Arrow.
After graduating from Madison High School, John joined the Air Force and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, where part of his duties included leading airbase and local community youth on Scouting adventures, camping and hiking. Upon return to the United States, John, never one to pass up a challenge, answered the call of a billboard claiming that he could be a better man if he became an Ohio State Highway Patrolman. He graduated with the 73rd class in 1966. John worked for the next 30 years as a proud member of the OSHP in Ashtabula, Chardon, Marietta and Warren. He served as a range officer for many years. During his tenure, he won the ACE award for recovery of stolen cars twice, was chosen as Post Trooper of the Year twice and received many commendation letters.
John was a talented woodcarver and woodworker. He gifted many Scouting youth and adults with hand-carved neckerchief slides and in his later years he enjoyed gifting friends and family with intricate Irish crosses made on his scroll saw. His love of carving was only eclipsed by his love of knots, both scouting and sailing, and he was forever tying ridiculously complicated knots and gifting them to anyone that even pretended to be interested. His membership in the International Guild of Knot Tyers was a point of pride for him.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Barbara L. Hummel, whom he married on April 12, 1969, and his sons, Daniel (Joseph) Robinson of Cortland and Philip (Lynn) Robinson of Niles. Left to cherish his memory are three grandchildren, Olivia (Augustine Holben) Robinson, Nicholas Robinson and Reid Robinson; and generations of former Scouts who will forever carry the torch of his guidance.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his brothers, Robert, Charles, and Donald; and his sister, Lorraine.
The family wishes to thank Armstong Memory Care for the extraordinary care given to John in the last 18 months. Their care and compassion made all the difference, and they treated John like a treasured family member. While all the staff at Armstrong were kind and caring, special thanks must be given to Jesse (Lynn), Trey, Kyle, Heather, Melissa, Sierra, and Lindsey. Special thanks to his devoted friend, Jim Rapone, for the visits and stories, even when John had forgotten who Jim was and the stories were repeated, again and again.
A Memorial Mass will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, at St. William Catholic Church, 5411 Mahoning Ave., Warren. Per John’s request, there will be no calling hours.
A private interment has taken place in Fairview Memorial Park, Madison.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to Armstrong Memory Care Activities, Warren.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Behm Funeral Home, Madison.
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