Robin Leahy English

Born and raised in Keene, New Hampshire, Robin was the beloved daughter of Robert and Marilyn Leahy. A dedicated student, she attended Keene State College on a full academic scholarship, earning her Bachelor's degree in Education.

Robin moved to Oneonta to be near her sister, Susan, and brother-in-law, Dr. Jordan Tannenbaum, who had recently established his pediatric practice. During her first year in Oneonta, Robin worked in Dr. Tannenbaum's office before discovering her true calling in education.

She began a twelve-year teaching career at St. Mary's Catholic School in Oneonta, where she became a cherished teacher and mentor. Robin's warmth, patience, and encouragement left a lasting impression on generations of students. Even years after leaving the classroom, she was often greeted around town by former students excited to see and thank "Miss Leahy," a testament to the profound impact she had on their lives.

In 1996, Robin accepted a position with Priority Eyewear in Oneonta. That same year, she married the love of her life, Mark English. Together they shared more than 29 wonderful years of marriage built on love, friendship, and unwavering devotion. On their wedding day, Robin promised not only to love Mark but also to love and care for his four children as her own. She faithfully honored that promise every day, embracing her role as a devoted stepmother and later a proud grandmother.

In 2000, Robin and Mark welcomed their daughter, Emily, whose birth brought immeasurable joy to Robin's life. Emily remained the light of her mother's world, and Robin treasured every moment they shared.

In 2003, Robin joined the staff at SUNY Oneonta, where she spent the next twenty years serving in the college library, ultimately becoming Evening Supervisor. She found tremendous fulfillment helping students with research and especially cherished mentoring the library's student employees. Always willing to listen, encourage, and guide, Robin became a trusted confidante to many young adults navigating an important chapter of their lives. So many affectionately referred to her as their "College Mom," maintaining friendships with her long after graduation.

Robin retired from SUNY Oneonta in 2023, embracing the many hobbies and passions she loved. She found joy in reading, crocheting and knitting, traveling, especially when it meant spending time with family, birdwatching, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, board games, and caring for beloved pets. Above all else, Robin treasured her family, who were the center of her life.

Robin will be deeply missed by her loving husband, Mark English of Oneonta; her daughter, Emily English of Delmar; her stepsons, Dominick English and his wife Amanda of Mount Dora, Florida, and Mark English Jr. and his wife Karina of Altamonte Springs, Florida; her stepdaughters, Margret Ramirez and her husband Luis of Wildwood, Florida, and Catherine Johnston and her husband Thomas of Bluffton, South Carolina; her sister, Susan Tannenbaum and her husband Jordan of Pittsboro; her cherished step-grandchildren, Dominick, Joseph, Anthony, Layla, Lily, and Lexi; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and the countless students and colleagues whose lives she enriched.

She was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Marilyn Leahy; and her parents-in-law, Arnold and Margaret English.

Robin touched countless lives through her kindness, generosity, compassion, and quiet strength. Whether in the classroom, the library, or simply through a heartfelt conversation, she had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, valued, and loved. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the students she inspired, the friendships she nurtured, and the many lives made brighter simply because she was part of them.

Robin loved deeply, gave selflessly, and was loved beyond measure. She will be forever missed and forever remembered.

A celebration of Robin’s life will take place on Monday July 27, 2026 at Grummons-Bookhout-Bennett Funerals & Cremations, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta, New York from 5 to 7 pm. Friends are invited to greet the family and a time of sharing will begin at 6 pm.

Please visit www.grummonsfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence or memory for the family.