Ralph LeeHaven Robinson

On the morning of April 16, 2015, heaven welcomed Ralph LeeHaven Robinson, age 90, of Edinboro, Pa. Ralph was born September 23, 1924 in Erie, Pa. to the late Ernest Edward Robinson and Virginia (Cox) Robinson.

Ralph grew up thriving on family and a love for music that led him to form his first band with his brothers called 'Sons of Melody'. On December 23, 1942, Ralph married his sweetheart, Marie (Griffin) Robinson, both just 18 years old. Three months into marriage, Ralph was drafted into the Army and proudly fought for his country in WWII, traveling to places we've read about in history books, earning a Purple Heart along the way.

After the war, Ralph and Marie settled into a marriage that spanned 69 years until Marie's heavenly homecoming occurring on April 7, 2012. During those years Ralph continued his love of music forming a band with Marie and their four daughters called 'Robby's Harem' and later 'The Robinson Family', which became quite popular in the tri-state area. Ralph retired as a machinist and spent his free time traveling with his wife and pursuing his passion and interest in his family lineage, writing, poetry, and biblical literature, even becoming an ordained minister.

Ralph is preceded in death by a son - Ralph L. Robinson, Jr., who died on August 26, 2011; a half- brother, 10 brothers, a sister, and his beloved wife - Marie. Ralph will be missed by his surviving four daughters - Melodylee (Skurdahl), Tenderrlee (Hughes), Tamralee (Pierson), Lovelee (Oakes); 16 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.

Viewing will be Monday, April, 20th from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. and 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home, 306 Erie Street, Edinboro. The funeral will be held there on Tuesday, April 21st at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment at Erie County Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please consider the needs of the family as this is their fourth loss in as many years.

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