Joshua L. Robinson

1923 - 2017

Joshua L. Robinson, retired Chief Judge of the 26th Judicial Circuit of Virginia, died on April 3, 2017 at his home in Luray, Virginia.

Judge Robinson was born in Luray on June 3, 1923, the oldest son of the late Henry and Ada Robinson, who had immigrated to the United States from Lithuania early in the 20th century.

He is survived by his wife of over 70 years, Estelle Good Robinson.

Judge Robinson graduated from Luray High School as Valedictorian in 1940 and from the University of Virginia in 1943 with a B.S. in Commerce. While in college, he was president of Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity and joined the U.S. Naval Reserve.

Later he served on active duty as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theater.

After the war, he began his distinguished legal career as a student at the University of Virginia School of Law. He graduated from the Law School in1948 with honors that included election to the Order of the Coif and to the Editorial Board of the Virginia Law Review.

While in law school, he and Estelle were married at Hillel House in Charlottesville on December 22, 1946.

After opening his law practice on Court Street in his hometown in 1949, Judge Robinson continued in private practice until 1972 when he was appointed as a Circuit Court Judge. He served as Judge and Chief Judge of the Circuit, which includes Page, Warren, Clarke, Frederick, Rockingham and Shenandoah counties, together with the cities of Harrisonburg and Winchester, until his retirement in July, 1992.

During this time, he was also a popular trial practice instructor at the UVA Law School. He also served as chairman of the Committee on Sentencing for the Judicial Conference of Virginia and as a member of the Governor's Task Force on Sentencing.

Throughout his life, Judge Robinson was a leader in numerous community organizations, including president of the Luray Rotary Club, commander of the American Legion in Luray and president of the Massanutten Mental Health Association of Harrisonburg.
Judge Robinson, a proud Jew, was a long-standing member of Beth El Congregation in Harrisonburg and also had served as its president and on its Board of Trustees.

The Judge was respected among fellow judges and lawyers for his keen mind, scholarship and love of learning. His friends, family, and community will remember him for his commitment and dedication to fairness and justice for all, his Jewish faith and his family, as well as for his sharp wit.

Additional survivors include his two children, Carol Sue Robinson Schepp and husband Louis of New York and Eliot William Robinson and wife Liane Schleifer of Atlanta; three grandchildren, Adam Robinson Gorlovsky-Schepp and wife Jeanie of Boston, Caren Robinson Schepp Ieraci and husband Rocco of Pittsburgh and David Benjamin Robinson of Atlanta; a great grandson, Jacob A. Gorlovsky-Schepp of Boston; and a sister, Sarah Robinson Miller and husband Milton of Glen Allen.

His two brothers, David I. Robinson and Saul J. Robinson, preceded him in death.

Rabbi Joe Blair will conduct the funeral service at Congregation Beth El, 830 Old Furnace Road, Harrisonburg on Thursday, April 6 at 3 p.m. followed by burial in Beth El Cemetery on Old Furnace Road.

The family will receive visitors at Bradley Funeral Home, Luray, Wednesday evening, April 5, from 6:30-8 p.m.

In accordance with Jewish tradition, Shiva will be observed at Judge Robinson's home. Visitors will be welcome at 30 Highland Court, Luray, from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, April 7 and from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, April 9.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charity of one's choice.

May his memory be for a blessing.

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