Leonard “Len” Robinson passed away on August 7, 2024, in Chandler, Arizona.

Born in New Jersey to Inez Jackson Robinson and Leonard Robinson, Len spent his early years in Dayton, Ohio, surrounded by the warmth of his extended family. His father, a skilled brick mason and carpenter, built the family home where Len and his younger sister, Debra J. Robinson, were raised. From a young age, Len demonstrated initiative—running a paper route and mowing lawns. In high school, he excelled in both basketball and football, ultimately earning a football scholarship to Fisk University. Though he did not continue with the sport, Fisk became a defining chapter in his life. He pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Alpha Delta Chapter and maintained lifelong friendships with his fraternity brothers. After graduating from Fisk, Len married Charlotte Posey, whom he met during college. The couple moved to Wilmington, Delaware, where Len worked briefly for DuPont Chemical Company before pursuing an MBA at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Upon completing his degree, he began a long career with IBM. His marriage to Charlotte ended shortly thereafter.

While working for IBM in Cleveland, Ohio, Len met Beverly Hathcock during a visit to Dayton. They married the following year and began a  journey that would span 50 years. Through this union, Len embraced the role of father to Jeffrey D. Whitner and later welcomed two children with Beverly: Lynette M. Robinson and Leonard A. Robinson. 

Len’s career with IBM took the family across the country and abroad—from Buffalo to Danbury, CT and eventually Tokyo, Japan. During that time Jeffrey moved to Washington, DC to attend Howard University. After three years overseas living abroad and touring the world, Len, Beverly, Leonard A and Lynette returned to Danbury and IBM. Len worked diligently and proudly sent his children Leonard A. and Lynette to attended Howard University as well. 

A few years later Len and Beverly return to Dayton before moving, yet again, to settle in Chandler, Arizona. He was a lover of golf, chess, all things science fiction, and lively debates with anyone who would listen.  Len’s life was marked by perseverance, education, entrepreneurship and global experience. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.