Selby M Robison's Obituary
Selby Robison of Cinnaminson, NJ, passed away peacefully on 11/19/18
with his family by his side. Loving husband of Elizabeth Robison (nee
Ruggio) for 59 years. Dear father to Debra Ann Tkacz (Stephen) and
Michael Andrew Robison (Josephine). Grandfather to Nicholas, Kristen
and Michael Joseph.
Selby enlisted and served in the US Marine Corps from 1956 to 1958, remaining in the Reserves until 1962. After receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1958, he joined the Philadelphia Fire Department in 1959. After 8 years on the job, he was promoted to Lieutenant. During his time with the Department, he also served as a Fire Marshall, until he retired in 1983. At that time, he assumed a full-time position as Field Auditor for the Upholsterers’ International Union. As a Field Auditor, he traveled all over the country, until he retired in 1996 to be a stay at home grandpop to Nicholas, Kristen and Michael Joseph. He never slowed down after retirement. He kept himself busy by running errands, working around the house, shuttling the grandkids around and volunteering. As a member of St. Charles Borromeo, he participated in Loaves and Fishes, he delivered casseroles to Catholic Charities with his buddy, Mike Parkar, served as Chapel guardian and volunteered at First Way of Burlington, NJ. He also enjoyed playing Santa Claus to the children at the Neighborhood Center in Camden, NJ.
Two of his favorite activities were bowling and playing pinochle with good friends, Linda & Harry Bianca. He also loved to travel with friends and family. Although early family vacations were spent taking cross-country road trips, DisneyWorld, Myrtle Beach, the Outer Banks, San Francisco and Scottsdale became favorite destinations. In 2016, the family was invited to a wedding in Yokohama, Japan. In addition to experiencing the beautiful culture, Selby made a return visit to Camp Mt. Fuji for the first time in 60 years. He had been stationed there during his time in the service. As everyone knows, the all time favorite destination is the Hawaiian islands, specifically the big island of Hawaii. Betty treated him to a trip to Hawaii for his 50th birthday, and they were both hooked. This would come as no surprise to anyone who knew Selby, who was the embodiment of the Aloha spirit - welcoming to all and always ready with a friendly smile and a cheerful joke. Over the past 30 years, they have returned to Hawaii almost every year, either as a couple or with family and friends. In 2009, Selby and Betty returned to Hawaii to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows surrounded by family and friends. During his illness, he was still able to travel to his beloved Hawaii, most recently with Betty, Deb and grandson Michael Joseph.
Ask anyone who knew him, and the first thing that comes to mind will probably be his jokes. Ask him how he was feeling and he’d say, “I can’t complain - she won’t let me”, motioning to his wife, Betty. Even during his chemo treatments at MD Anderson, he always had jokes or funny comments to make the medical staff laugh. Everyone who encountered him commented on his positive attitude and his sense of humor, both of which he radiated all the time up until his passing. In his own words, “Always leave them laughing”.
A gathering of friends and family will be held on Friday, November 23rd
at Givnish of Cinnaminson, 1200 Route 130 N. from 7-9pm, and again
the following morning, at St. Charles Borromeo, November 24th from
9:30-10:15am with a memorial mass at 10:30am. Burial will follow at
Jesus Bread of Life Cemetery in Mount Laurel, NJ. In lieu of flowers,
please make donations to The Philadelphia Fire Fighters Widows Fund
or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
What’s your fondest memory of Selby?
What’s a lesson you learned from Selby?
Share a story where Selby's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Selby you’ll never forget.
How did Selby make you smile?
