Melvin James "Mel" Robinson

Melvin James "Mel" Robinson, 74, lifelong Ithaca resident, passed away Monday, November 27, 2017 at the Cayuga Medical Center. He was born in Ithaca son of the late James and Barbara Bell Robinson and was also predeceased by his wife, Linda Turco Robinson who died March 16, 1992.

Mel graduated from Ithaca High School in 1962 and attended Oklahoma State University. Mel was an outstanding athlete and a member of the Ithaca High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He earned four varsity letters in both football and track from 1959 to 1962. As a member of the IHS Football Team he set conference rushing records three years in a row and was named to multiple post-season all-star teams. In track he placed first three years in a row at the Elmira Relays and placed third in NYS Championships in the 100 and 220 yard dashes. He played semi-pro football for 13 seasons for Troy, PA, winning seven championships and eight league rushing titles. Mel was retired from Emerson where he had worked as a machinist for over 25 years. He had been a member and volunteer at Ithaca Fire Co. Rescue Steamer and Chemical Co. #2 and the Immaculate Conception Church. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and Mel was an avid fan and longtime season ticket holder of the Buffalo Bills.

Mel is survived by his daughters, Tammy Wilhelm and Kimberly (Scott) Lewis and his grandchildren, Amber, Zachary and Mariah Wilhelm, Olivia Robinson and Quincy and Adyson Lewis. He is also survived by his brother, Donald Robinson; his sisters, Bonnie Collazo and Janice Robinson and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Augustine Chumo on Friday, December 1st at 11:30 am at the Immaculate Conception Church. Friends may call on Thursday, November 30th from 3 to 5 pm at the Bangs Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mel's memory may be made to the Ithaca High Athletic Boosters, 1401 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca, NY 14850.

Thursday, November 30, 2017 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Bangs Funeral Home, Inc. 209 W Green St. Ithaca, New York 14850

Friday, December 01, 2017 11:30 AM

Immaculate Conception Church 113 N. Geneva St. Ithaca, NY 14850