Stephen Robison

1927 - 2025

Stephen Robison, known as the oldest man on Block Island, died on October 20, 2025, at the age of 97. Steve never sought this title nor its accompanying Boston Post gold-tipped cane, but soon embraced it, with some grace and more humor.

Born in New York City in 1927, and raised in Queens, Steve came of age in an era when you could walk out the door with 25 cents and eat your way across the city. As a kid, he favored the Yankees' Lou Gehrig, though he never forgave the Brooklyn Dodgers for moving to Los Angeles. He loved music from a young age and commuted into Manhattan for music lessons and performances. He spent countless hours combing the grounds of the 1939 World's Fair -- an experience that left a lifelong impression and served as the topic of many dinner table conversations.

After college, Steve joined the family textile business, Robison Rayon. He worked in the industry for nearly 50 years, though his true passion was music. It's a great hobby, he would say, but a hard profession. Instead, he joined a number of community bands throughout Rhode Island.

Steve met his wife, Nancy, through work colleagues in Providence in 1960. The two soon began visiting Block Island, drawn here by Nancy's long family history. They bought a home on the island in 1973 and made it a beloved gathering place for friends and family, including their three children. Steve and Nancy retired to Block Island in 1999, where his life centered on family, music, and community. He was a longtime member of the Block Island Gardeners Club, treasurer of the Island Free Library Board of Trustees, played music for many island shows and earned a reputation for his English Muffin bread -- the baked good that sold out at every fundraiser.

While Steve made many contributions to his community, what stands out most is his deep devotion to his wife, their daughter, and two sons. He coached their soccer teams, played music alongside them, and supported them in every pursuit -- even the harebrained ones. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, of 62 years, Julie Natalizia (Mike), David Robison (Snjezana) and Dan Robison (Hadley), plus nine grandchildren. An island gathering is being planned for Spring 2026, giving you time to get your gardens ready.

A memorial service is being planned for June 7, 2026 on Block Island.