WILLIAM ANDREW ROBINSON

ROBINSON WILLIAM ANDREW
The family of William Andrew Robinson, son of the late William and Eula Richie Robinson, passed away quietly at Montefiore Hospital, in New Rochelle, NY at 4:35 a.m. on Thursday, March 31, 2016. Born on September 29, 1928, Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Berlena Hawkins Robinson; sister, Mary Walker; and his brother, Embry Robinson. He leaves to celebrate his life his son, William Calvin Berlena Robinson; daughter-in-law, Gloria Cordoba Robinson; two grandsons, William Embry and Felix Anibal Robinson; three sisters, Ethel Jones, Eula Johnson and Emma Johnson; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Bethel AME Church is the family's church in Pittsburgh. William graduated from Westinghouse High School in 1947, where he trained at the start of his football career by Coach Pete Dimperio. He went on to Lincoln University, an historical Black University founded in 1866, in Jefferson City, Missouri. There, Bill crossed the burning sands of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Affectionately called Brother Bill, he served as a Military Policeman at Fort Monmouth Military Base in New Jersey during his stint in the Army. A halfback in the National Football League, Bill was drafted in the 25th round of the 1952 NFL by the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team's owner, Art Rooney Sr. met the youth as he was growing up in the Pittsburgh community. Bill played that season with the Green Bay Packers, and then later teamed up with his brother Embry for a season with the Tucson Cowboys. The pair went on to play for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Bill married Berlina in 1959, and ended his football career as a member of the New York Titans during the 1960 American Football League season. An athlete, artist, photographer, drummer, an orator with a deep appreciation for both the spoken and written word, Brother Bill followed his dreams. He knew many people and those who knew him would agree that he was a free spirit who lived life on his own terms. A raconteur with humor readily available, we will remember Brother Bill with a smile on his face and the smiles that he left in our hearts. A private Memorial Service was held on April 3, 2016, at the Beauchamp Chapel, 16 Shea Place, New Rochelle, NY 10805. Condolences can be sent to Eula C. Johnson, 2160 Madison Avenue, Apt. #12C, New York, NY 10037.