Norman F. Robinson (Norm), beloved father, partner, brother, family and friend died on Nov. 9 2024. He was 97 — missing his goal of living to be 100 was one of his few shortcomings in life.

Born in St. Petersburg, Fla. on Jan. 18, 1927, Norm grew up in many states, eventually landing in Louisville where he graduated from the University of Louisville School of Engineering in 1952. His military service began with the Army Air Corps in June 1945 (Japan) and ended back home in the Air National Guard in January of 1952. He was proud of his service to his country.

For much of his life he spent summers on the Vineyard, often staying near Lobsterville Beach in Chilmark. It was often said by people he met, that all Norm ever wanted to talk about was Martha’s Vineyard.

Professionally and personally, he led a fulfilling and accomplished life here and on the west coast. In January 1952, he married Margie Weisman, graduated from the University of Louisville, was hired by Douglas Aircraft, was Honorably Discharged from the Air National Guard and moved across country to Manhattan Beach where he and Margie started family life and raised their son, Keith.

They enjoyed and participated in life in the Beach Cities until Margie’s early passing in 1980 and Keith’s passing in 2017.

Norm worked for Douglas/McDonnell Douglas/Boeing for 49 years. During this time, he specialized in hydraulics and scored numerous patents and many of his designs are still in production today. He was a representative to the ISO (International Standard Organization). In this prestigious role, he worked with aerospace engineers around the world to define critical design standards that govern the design of airplane hydraulic systems that are a backbone of airplane design and manufacturing, and, importantly, he was fully engaged with this colleagues in all things flight.

His personal endeavors took him far and wide. Under the sea, he had Christmas celebrations with friends in the UPS (Underwater Photography Society); with Sally, he enjoyed music and plays, discussion groups, world travel, hiked the Sierras, created family time in their condo in Mammoth Lakes and enjoyed many lasting friendships. In quieter moments, he would meet his son, Keith at The Kettle for Friday night dinners.

He lived his values, pursued every interest and was as decent a human as one can be.

Norm is survived by his friend and life partner of 42 years, Sally O’Mara, and his sister, Marilyn Dine Robinson Leonard; Robinson and Weisman nieces and nephews (including greats) Albert, Debra, Rhonda, Clifton, Jeanna, Raymond, Kathryn, Paula Ramona, Margie, Ed, Karen, George (Jr), Claudia, Doug, Mike, David, Lauren, Lindsey, Jessica, Andrew, Jason, Ryan, Kelly, Patrick, Ben, Melissa, Brian, Declan, Jennifer, Aaron, Sarah, Angela, Andrew, Christopher and Megan; and John, Gina, Peter and Jennifer of the O’Mara family.

Norm is predeceased by his late wife, Margie Weisman Robinson (1980); his son, Norman (Keith) Robinson (2017); siblings, Betty, Albert and Dale, niece Lori Ann and nephew Raymond.

A celebration of life service was held on Feb. 1 at the Assembly Hall at the Manhattan Beach Community Church. A burial at Abels Hill Cemetery in Chilmark will be held at a later date.