Deacon Charles Robinson (Deacon Charlie), 83, of Downs Chapel, Clayton, DE, passed away on April 24, 2021 at Bay Health Hospital, Dover, DE.

He was born in Staten Island, NY on June 23, 1937, the son of the late Charles T Robinson and Anna A Robinson. He was a graduate of Saint Peters Hight School, Staten Island, NY. Charles was an only child; from all accounts he was an ordinary kid. He, as most children did from those times, walked to school through 20 feet of snow uphill both ways. Times were tough back then.

He earned a Masters Degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Newman College, Aston PA.

Charles worked as a Merchant Marine before obtaining a position as a dispatcher with the NYFD and retired from the New York City Fire Department in 1985 after 21 years. He was a proud member of the New York City Fire Department Emerald Society. On November 18th 2000 was ordained a Deacon for the dioceses of Wilmington. He served as chaplain in the Smyrna James T Vaughn correctional facility until being assigned to Saint Polycarp's Parish as full time Deacon. Deacon Charlie, a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, served as chaplain to the Knights of Columbus Brother Vincent Council and Our Lady Queen of Peace Assembly as well as other parish organizations.

Artistic in nature, Charles loved all sports. He coached Smyrna Clayton Senior League Rothwell's baseball team and he was the assistant coach for the Smyrna High School Varsity Baseball Team for two years. Charles enjoyed Irish and Country Music.

On November 18, 2000 Charles was ordained a Deacon for the dioceses of Wilmington. He was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, Chaplain for the Saint Vincent DePaul Society of Saint Polycarp Roman Catholic Church, The BVM Society, Brother Vincent Columbiettes, Seasons of Hope.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Maureen E Robinson (Nevins); his son John J Robinson and his wife Mary, his son Timothy M Robinson, and his daughter Maureen E Naylor and her husband Greg; twelve grandchildren, John J Robinson Jr. and his wife Shaina, Kelley M Baker and her husband Michael, Timothy M (Michael) Robinson Jr. and his wife Megan, Ryan L Cox, Kasey D Belcher and her husband Jacob (Jake), Charles T Robinson Jr. and his wife Ayla, Morgan E Duran and her husband Rocco, Justin B Cox, Katherine E Currie, Erin E Currie, Andrew M Robinson, Evan J Trettel and Riley R Naylor; as well as his five great-grandchildren, Kamerin P Baker, Troy C Burrell, Elijah R Robinson, Kinsley D Belcher, and Hadley O Robinson.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his oldest son, Charles T Robinson.

A viewing will be held 7-9 pm Friday April 30 at Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce St, Smyrna, DE 19977 (302) 653-2900.

Please follow Covid-19 guidelines for masks and distancing.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be privately held on Sat. May 1. The public is invited to attend the interment service at Holy Cross Cemetery, Dover DE at 1:30 PM Saturday May 1.

A Mass to celebrate Deacon Charlie will be held at 6:30 PM on June 23, 2021 at Saint Polycarp Roman Catholic Church, 55 Ransom Lane, Smyrna. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers donations to Saint Polycarp Roman Catholic Church or Saint Vincent DePaul Society can be sent to 55 Ransom Lane, Smyrna Delaware 19977.

To sign the online guestbook, please click the tab marked "View and Sign Guestbook".

Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.