Tom K Robinson

On Friday, December 31st, 2021, Tom Karl Robinson I, devoted and loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather passed away at 87.

Tom was born on February 13th, 1934 in Mountainside Hospital, Glen Ridge, New Jersey to Sadie and Benjamin Robinson. Longtime resident of Montclair, he graduated from Montclair High School in 1951; he served in the U.S Army as a Private 1st Class. After returning to Montclair, he encountered and soon courted the love of his life and future wife, Miss Ada Roberts. They married on August 25th, 1963, and from their union came Tom Karl Robinson II.

Tom’s primary career was a production plant manager; he worked for many manufacturing companies such as Art Metal and Hartz Mountain. Driven and resourceful, he always sought ways to learn and grow; from owning his own trucking business to investing in real estate; his ingenuity led him down many professional paths. While pursuing these endeavors and providing for his family, he returned to school earning both his Associate’s at Essex County College and his Bachelor’s at Rutgers University.

Tom is best known for his passion for classic cars. A car aficionado and self-taught master mechanic, he would often recount to family and friends (and all who would listen) learning how to drive at a young age, participating in amateur racing circuits, and restoring antique vehicles. Known to some as the “Buick man”, he was a proud Buick owner that revelled in his personal restoration of at least 6 of them, the first being a 1942 Buick Special. His collection also included classic beauties like the 1961 “Deuce and a quarter” Electra 225 and, his pride and joy, the 1941 Buick Limited Limousine- of which he owned only one of seven in the entire country.

From his automobile ardor, Tom also founded, along with eight other car enthusiasts, The Nostalgic Automobile Society of Montclair(NASM) and served as the president of the club for 31 years. In addition to enjoying national car exhibitions and local “cruise nights”, he would often bring along his wife and family to parades and cultural events. Sometimes he would even convey a bride and groom to their reception in one of his antique cars, including his grandson with his wife. Nearly 60 years married themselves, Tom and Ada set the example for an unbreakable union. This loving bond was on display to all when Tom was “cruising” with his one and only.

Tom will be remembered for his great sense of humor, kindness, patience and all of the qualities that are the true attributes of a man of substance and character. He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-eight years, Ada, their son – Tom Karl Robinson II, his youngest brother – Harry (Denise), their grandchildren – Ajani (Dia), Akilah (Jason) and Aminah, niece/daughter – Gizelle (Robert), sister-in-law – Stephanie, nephews – Neal, Adam, and Chris, niece - Beth, and a host of other dear family members and friends. Home-going services will be held on Monday, January 10, 2022, at Martin’s Home for Services, Inc. The viewing will take place from 10:00-11:00am, with services to follow at 11:00am. A zoom link will be provided for those who wish to participate virtually by the family.  Due to the high rise in Covid-19, only 50 people will be allowed to come into the funeral home, and wearing a mask indoors is mandatory, covering your mouth and nose.

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