Sylvester C. Robinson Jr.

Sylvester C. Robinson II, who was affectionately called “Rob or Robbie,” was called to heaven on the 23rd day of October 2021. Sylvester was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina on the 20th day of May 1925 to Sylvester C. Robinson Sr. and Mary Lou Robinson. Sylvester was the only son of five children, with four sisters, Thelma Walker, Evelyn Van Hook, Merion E. Grandison, and Hazel F. Robinson. At an early age, the family moved to Baltimore, where he graduated from high school. Sylvester then went on to serve in the United States Navy until honorable discharge in 1946. After moving to New York, he attended Long Island University, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. It was there, New York, where he met Geraldine Hayes. They later went on to marry and move to New Jersey, where they raised their four children, Joyce, Sylvester III, LaVerne (Aisha), and Brenda (Aminah). With an abundance of knowledge and skills acquired from Mr. Hayes, his father-in-law, he established a successful business in home construction and repair while he pursued his college degree. Sylvester was later hired as a chemist at Maas & Waldstein. He went on to continue his work as a chemist until his retirement.  

He had a strong faith and was an active member of Elmwood United Presbyterian Church, where he served as an usher. Prior to Elmwood, he was also a long-standing member of Park Avenue Christian Church, where he served as treasurer. He displayed a sincere passion for cooking and shared his expertise with a host of family and friends. A well-loved man, Sylvester enjoyed meeting people from every facet of his life. 

Sylvester was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on December 27, 1963 at the Eureka Lodge #52 F&AM, Montclair, N.J. He enjoyed sharing knowledge and teachings with brothers in the lodge about the craft where he formerly held the position of Grand Master of the Lodge and Dean of Instruction.

He was a devoted husband, father, and friend. He was a role model to his family and his community, demonstrating selflessness and generosity with his time, resources, and knowledge. Sylvester was incredibly hard-working and reliable. 

Sylvester was preceded in death by his father, Sylvester C. Robinson, Sr., his mother, Mary Lou Robinson, former wife, Geraldine Robinson, daughters, LaVerne (Aisha) Robinson and Joyce E. Robinson, and sisters, Merion E. Grandison and Hazel F. Robinson.

He is survived by his son, Sylvester C. Robinson III (former wife Sherri Robinson), daughter, Aminah Muhammad (husband Amin Muhammad), 12 grandchildren: Hanifah T. Muhammad, Ihsan N. Muhammad, Afuw M. Muhammad, Nura Muhammad, Aminah T. Muhammad, Abdul Qadir Muhammad, Aisha D. Robinson, Anisah Z. Muhammad, Akhira Muhammad, Ayanna D. Robinson, Baqir Muhammad, Abdul Khaliq Muhammad, and 10 great-grandchildren: Hadiyah Muhammad-Dean, Mecca Muhammad, Hasyah Muhammad, Afuw Muhammad II, Basheerah Muhammad, Ishmael Muhammad, Bilal Muhammad, Shariq Muhammad, Amari Muhammad-Craven, Talia Muhammad-Craven. He is also survived by many extended family, cherished friends, and lodge brothers. 

Special mentions: Bettie J. Gulledge, a special friend who preceded him in death; Ann Hearns, a beloved friend; Garland Aiken; god son.

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