Scott Christopher Robinson

Scott Christopher Robinson, age 61, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on December 19, 2025. His life - rooted in faith and community, lit by music, and driven by a keen sense of justice - was brought to an early end by an aggressive form of Parkinson’s disease.

Born on May 13, 1964, Scott grew up outside Syracuse, New York. He earned his undergraduate degree from Le Moyne College, followed by a Master of Music degree from Binghamton University (SUNY Binghamton) and a Doctor of Music degree from the University of Minnesota. Later in life, he earned a divinity degree from The New Seminary for Interfaith Studies in New York City, reflecting his deep and enduring commitment to both intellectual and spiritual growth.

Throughout his life, the constants of music and spirituality shaped Scott’s professional path. He enjoyed a distinguished career as a musician, composer, and college professor, and later served as a hospice chaplain. He was also a devoted member of the Third Order of St. Francis and the Episcopal Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, living his faith through both action and spirit.

Known for his intellectual rigor, Scott read every footnote, studied every historic plaque, and questioned any offhand ascertain. His remarkable depth of knowledge and ability to synthesize information made him a formidable advocate for causes that mattered deeply to him, particularly those addressing injustice and inequity. His familiar sense of humor, sharp and occasionally dark, showed through in his social media post on the day he was enrolled in hospice: the iconic “Looney Tunes” clip, “Oh, we’re the boys of the chorus, we hope you like our show, we know you’re rooting for us, but now we have to go-o-o-o-o-o-o!”

Scott is survived by his wife, Allison Ballantine; his two daughters, Clare and Sophie Robinson; and his brother, Mark Robinson. Through his love and actions, he instilled in his daughters the same deep sense of justice that guided his own life, and he was immensely proud of them. Even as Parkinson’s disease limited his mobility, Scott continued to march for the causes he believed in, showing up with fearless integrity and inspiring others to do the same.

Services will be held at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 8000 St. Martins Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19118 at 11am on December 27, 2025. https://www.stmartinec.org/

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Clare Project https://diopa.org/clareproject, a street outreach ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania. Members walk the streets, providing compassionate pastoral care, medical care/referrals, harm reduction items, and creature comforts to our unhoused siblings in the Kensington section of Philadelphia.

Direct link to donate on the Episcopal Diocese website: Donations: The Clare Project https://diopa.member365.com/publicInj/fundraisingCampaign/makeDonation/pOzu9WNGbjt1901xPNN1Hg

The livestream for Scott's service can be found here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7UsGOdX5kQ