Daniel Otis Robinson

DANIEL OTIS
ROBINSON

Oct. 6, 1935 - Jan. 23, 2009

Mr. Robinson, son of the late Alfred and Jennie Belle Robinson, was born October 6, 1935 in Creighton, Pennsylvania. He attended and graduated from East Deer High school in Pennsylvania, excelling in football and basketball. His first job was as an ice truck vendor before going off to work at J.L. Specialty Steel Mill. Soon after he bought a dump truck and collected steel from the bigger retail outlets. He then purchased gas stations in Pennsylvania and bought an apartment building. He later began working at Don Allen Chevrolet in Pittsburgh.
He then decided that he wanted to come out to California, so he picked up and left with his wife, Jean, son Gary and mother and father and headed straight to La Mirada, CA where he purchased a bar and apartment buildings. He then decided to sell the bar and venture into buying a used car dealership in Lynnwood, CA. He had decided that his main goal in life was to someday own and operate his own dealership. Well, that opportunity came along and there were 3 dealerships available in Southern, CA. He took the journey to Calexico with his father, Alfred and as soon as he arrived into town and scanned the dealership which was W.W. Ford Sales he made up his mind. He then looked at his father and said, "This is a WINNER!" And the rest is history. The name was soon changed to Robinson Ford Sales, Inc. Dan, Jean, Alfred, Jennie Belle and Gary packed up in L.A. and made their move to Calexico in November 1968. Soon after Larry and Randy were born 3 years apart.
Dan was involved and active in many organizations which included Calexico Little League where he was a coach and sponsor for over 40 years and the Calexico Chamber of Commerce where he was a member for over 18 years and also past president from 1987 - 1988. He was also a member of the Lions Club and Elks Lodge #1382.
While still operating Robinson Ford, Dan began to try other business ventures such as farming and industrial parks, just to name a few. He also became an avid owner and breeder of Thoroughbred Race horses. This was one of his great passions.
Mr. Robinson was reunited with his wife in heaven Friday, January 23, 2009, the couple's 49th anniversary. He passed away from congestive heart failure at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego.
Dan has passed on many of his passions in his life to his three boys, Gary, Larry and Randy. They have in turn, learned the trade of the car business and will continue to run it as their father had planned. His three boys, as he liked to refer to them, were his life. They were his number one passion in life and he lived for them. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Alfred and Jennie Belle and wife, Jean Ann Robinson.
Mr. Robinson is survived by his 3 sons and daughters-in-law, Gary and Karla Robinson of El Centro, Larry and Ana Robinson of Calexico and Randy and Margie Robinson of Calexico; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Albert and Joanne Corradene; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Shirley and John Schick of Pennsylvania; 12 grandchildren, Robby of Texas, Steven of Cathedral City, Roxanne, Danielle and Larry Jr., all of El Centro, Alexis, Gary Jr., Rozinna, Trevor, Coby, Jean Ann and Daniel, all of Calexico and numerous nieces and nephews in Pennslyvania. He is also survived by his companion, Clarissa Macias who was there for him every step of the way.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 30, 2009 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Our Lady Of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Calexico.
Funeral Service will commence at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2009 at Our Lady Of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Calexico with Father Gerardo Fernandez officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Mountain View Cemetery.