Rev. Dr. Donald L. Robinson

1929 - 2023

Rev. Dr. Donald L. Robinson passed away on November 15, 2023, at the age of 93. Don was born on November 29, 1929, in Pleasant Hill, Ohio, to Nora Edna Robinson and the Rev. John Amos Robinson. Don grew up in Johnstown, PA, where his father served as the pastor of the Walnut Grove Church of the Brethren for 23 years. In 1950, while working with Brethren Volunteer Services, Don met his future wife, Eleanor Jane Judy, another dedicated volunteer from Eglon, West Virginia. They were married on June 7, 1952. Together, they raised three children, John, Jane and Jim. Don was a distinguished minister, educator, community leader, and advocate for life improvement through better decision-making. He obtained his ministerial license in 1947, shortly after graduating from Johnstown High School. He graduated from Juniata College with a Psychology degree in 1951, and was ordained on August 26 of that year. He earned a Master's degree in Theology from the Bethany Theological Seminary in Oak Brook, IL, where he received his diploma from his older brother, Dr. Paul Minnich Robinson, who served as the Seminary's President. In 1986, Don earned a Doctorate degree from Lancaster Theological Seminary in the field of how people make decisions, having collaborated with Dr. Lawrence Kohlberg at Harvard University on the vital subject of Moral and Ethical Development. Don faithfully served as the Pastor of the First Church of the Brethren in Wyomissing for 31 years. Under his leadership, the congregation thrived, expanding from 100 members to over 400. The church transcended its walls, becoming a cornerstone of the community. Don was instrumental in founding the Montessori School Day School, which has now flourished for over 50 years. In addition to his pastoral duties, Don actively served the larger church community. He was a National Youth Advisor, contributed to the National Planning Committee for Adventure in Mission, and played a pivotal role in the Atlantic Northeast Conference Planning Committee. He has conducted numerous Stewardship Campaigns and has done the research and site location for over 25 new churches. He taught as an adjunct faculty member at the Reading Area Community College and the Pace Institute and chaired Juniata College's Church-College Relations Committee. Notably, he was the inaugural trainer for Leadership Berks, a program designed by the Chamber of Commerce and the United Way to equip young executives for future leadership roles in the community. Don was a longtime member of the Rotary Club of West Reading-Wyomissing, where he served as a trainer at Camp Neidig, a weeklong leadership-training program sponsored by Rotary for high school youth. Don had a deep commitment to youth and mental health. In the 1960s, he participated in the White House Conference on the Problems of Youth in America, conducting research on the "hippies" in the San Francisco area. He did over 50 demonstrations in 'hypnosis' at high school assembly programs to help youth understand how the mind works and how to use more of their God-given talents. For 20 years, he served as a certified PIAA high school basketball and football official. With his family, he designed & built Robin Hill Campground in Lenhartsville, PA. Don believed that the goals of mental health and religion were aligned in their mission to promote "effective living" and improve quality of life. He established a private practice in personal, marriage, and family counseling and was a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Marriage and Family Counselors. In 1967, he worked with the Berks County Medical Society and the Mental Health Association to establish a suicide prevention center in Berks County. Under his leadership, the "HELP" program trained over 300 volunteers to man telephone lines 24/7. He served two terms as the president of the Board of Directors for the Family Guidance Center, chaired the Board of Directors for "The Lodge," a halfway house for individuals transitioning from mental institutions, and contributed as a charter member of the Board of Directors that established the Keystone Blood Bank. Don's life of service earned numerous accolades and honors, a testament to the immeasurable impact he had on countless lives. Among his many tributes: honored for 50 years in Ministry by the Church of the Brethren, the Juniata College Alumni Service Award, the Juniata Church-College Service Award, listed in Who's Who in the East and Who's Who in Religion, B'nai B'rith Americanism Award, B'nai B'rith Brotherhood Award, featured in 'Profiles in Community Service' by Reading Eagle, Honored by Rotary Club for Youth Leadership Development Programs, honored by Wilson School District for 20 years of service, honored May 8, 2001 by PA Senate for Community Service. After retiring from the ministry, Don continued to share his love for travel and adventure, working part-time for 25 years as a group travel agent for Singer Travel. Together with Eleanor, they took people on journeys around the world, visiting all 50 states and 106 different countries and creating memories that would last a lifetime. Don is survived by his beloved wife, Eleanor, his children, John (Cathy) in Wyomissing, PA, Jane (Bruce) in Harrisonburg, VA, Jim (Rachel) in Portland Oregon and his cherished grandchildren, Kristin, Emily, Jason, Rosemary, Joshua, Tim, Megan and Ben. He was blessed with nine wonderful great-grandchildren: Rylee, Adelia, Jameson, Silas, Keegan, Caverly, Jasper, Ramona and Saylor. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Wyomissing Church of the Brethren at 11:00am on February 24, 2024.