Haynes B. Robinson Jr., M.D.

Dr. Robinson spent most of his life in Akron, Ohio. Even as young child, he displayed a tireless work ethic. He was so intent upon becoming a paper boy that he rolled blank pieces of paper and delivered them to practice for his eventual job delivering newspapers. He wrapped packages in a drug store to earn extra money as a young man. In an era of severely limited opportunities for African Americans, members of the Akron, Ohio community recognized his potential and offered him encouragement. His high school guidance counselor advised him to pursue a career in medicine. Mr. Joseph Sholiton, his employer and owner of a local drug store, brought him along to visit Ohio State University when he took his daughter to visit the campus, to encourage him to pursue a college education.

Dr. Robinson graduated from The Ohio State University in 1958. He served in the army, and during his service was diagnosed with a malignant tumor involving his leg. His doctors advised amputation of his entire leg, but he declined, and elected surgical removal of the tumor only. Following his surgery, he recovered fully and received funding from the GI bill which helped to finance his medical education. He graduated from The Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1962, where he was one of three African Americans in his class.

He was married to Faith A. Robinson in 1956. The marriage ended in divorce.

Following college and medical school, he pursued residency in pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Medical Center of Akron and completed his training in pediatrics at Buffalo Children’s Hospital in Buffalo New York. He completed a pathology residency at Roswell Park Memorial Institute and served as chief resident in pediatrics at Buffalo Children’s Hospital from 1967-1968.

He later pursued training in medical genetics and was board certified in Anatomic Pathology, Pediatrics and Medical Genetics.

During his long and varied career in medicine, he served in many capacities, including Erie County Medical Examiner, Buffalo New York, Professor of Pathology and Professor of Clinical Genetics in Pathology at Northeast Ohio Medical University, Director of Medical Genetics and Developmental Pathology, The Toledo Hospital, and Director, Regional Genetics Center, Ohio Region VI. He ended his career when he retired as the Co-director, The Fetal Treatment Center of Northeastern Ohio at Akron Children’s Hospital in 2017. Teaching medical students, residents and fellows was also one of his passions.

Dr. Robinson was devoted to his family and also made time for leisure pursuits. He loved photography, genealogy, collecting African art and travel, particularly trips to Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa with his daughters, granddaughters and son-in law.

Dr. Robinson took immense pleasure in serving both the children of northeastern Ohio who suffered from varied medical conditions and their families. He was inspired by his own developmentally disabled daughter, Melanie. He also leaves his daughters Stephanie Robinson and Antoinette Saddler, son-in-law Stephen Saddler, granddaughters Chloe and Celeste Saddler and many close family members and friends to mourn his loss.

A private burial will take place on Saturday, July 29th. A memorial service, open to all, will take place on Saturday, July 29th at 1 PM, The Sherman Auditorium, Akron Children’s Hospital, One Perkins Square, The Rev. Karen Ballard officiating.

Services are under the care of Walters Funeral Home at Rose Hill. Those wishing to send flowers may contact the funeral home at (330) 665-1700.

Memorial donations may be made to the Haynes B. Robinson Jr. Research and Education Fund, Akron Children’s Hospital, One Perkins Square, Akron, Ohio 44308 or Haven of Rest Ministries ( www.havenofrest.org/ways-to-give/. )